Killer on the loose has 'damaged' public confidence in justice system, says NI minister
Summary
Gary Anderson, a prisoner convicted of murder, escaped while on temporary release to attend his father’s funeral in Londonderry. The Justice Minister, Naomi Long, said this incident has harmed public trust in the justice system and announced an independent review of how Anderson’s release was approved.Key Facts
- Gary Anderson and his brother were jailed for life in 2023 for a 2018 murder in Londonderry.
- Anderson was granted a two-hour compassionate temporary release (CTR) by a judge to attend his father’s funeral.
- Anderson escaped from his approved civilian chaperone during the funeral day and remains on the run.
- The prison service originally refused Anderson’s release, but a judge overturned that decision.
- The refusal was based on incorrect information about Anderson’s risk of reoffending, which was higher than it should have been.
- The judge criticized the prison service for not reconsidering their decision as invited.
- Justice Minister Naomi Long said there was a procedural error that kept prison officials from knowing the judge gave them a chance to reconsider.
- An independent review into the decision to grant Anderson’s release has been ordered.
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