An independent review has been announced into the release of killer Gary Anderson, who was unlawfully at large for more than a week after absconding from compassionate temporary release to attend his father's funeral in Londonderry.
Background and Arrest
Anderson, 29, was sentenced to 15 years in prison in 2023 for the murder of Karol Kelly in Derry. He was arrested last week by An Garda Síochána across the Irish border in Co Donegal.
The sequence of events drew sharp criticism for the authorities and Justice Minister Naomi Long.
Review Appointment
On Thursday, Ms Long announced the appointment of Phil Copple, a former director general of operations in HM Prison and Probation Service, to lead the independent review into Anderson's release. The Commissioner Designate for Victims and Witnesses of Crime, Geri Hanna, is set to provide advice to "ensure that relevant issues are considered from the perspective of victims".
In a written statement to the Assembly on Thursday, Ms Long said she met the family of Mr Kelly last week, adding that it has been a "deeply distressing time for them".
Purpose of the Review
"It is critical that the criminal justice system learns from the events around handling of the Compassionate Temporary Release (CTR) application by Gary Anderson to avoid any retraumatisation of victims," she said.
Ms Long said the review will examine the decisions and circumstances which led to Anderson's release and provide an independent and objective assessment of the handling and outworkings of his CTR application.
"Its purpose is to establish the facts, understand what happened and when, identify any lessons arising from the handling of the case, and make recommendations for improvement," she said.
"Where lessons can be learned, they must be learned, and where improvements are required, they must be made. This is critical for the handling of future applications for CTR."
"Given the seriousness of the issues involved, it is important that the review is able to follow the evidence wherever it leads and reach its conclusions independently."
"At the same time, I have asked that the review be progressed as expeditiously as possible so that any lessons can be identified and any necessary improvements implemented at the earliest opportunity."
She added: "I will update the Assembly on the outcome of the review and any recommendations arising from its findings."
