Northern Ireland's top judge has explained a court's decision to grant convicted killer Gary Anderson temporary release to attend his father's funeral, despite opposition from prison authorities. Anderson, 29, who was jailed for the 2018 murder of Karol Kelly, failed to return to Maghaberry prison on Monday.
The Office of the Lady Chief Justice (LCJ) stated that the court held the governor's decision not to grant compassionate temporary release (CTR) was "not substantiated by the evidence provided to the court." Justice Minister Naomi Long said the prison service had turned down the release based on a risk assessment that considered public safety and the likelihood of absconding or re-offending.
Anderson was released from Maghaberry on Monday to attend his father's funeral in Derry but absconded from his court-approved chaperone. The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) confirmed on Wednesday that Anderson was last seen in the Eastway area of Creggan in Derry and are liaising with An Garda Síochána.
Anderson's brother Sean, also jailed for the murder of Karol Kelly, also challenged the decision not to release him for the funeral, but his application was refused.