Gary Anderson arrested in Donegal after absconding from temporary release
Gary Anderson arrested: Convicted murderer Gary Anderson has been arrested in Co Donegal after being unlawfully at large following his temporary release from prison.
The 29-year-old was arrested by An Garda Síochána at a property in the Buncrana area shortly before 2pm on Wednesday, 23 September, as part of a planned operation.
The PSNI said it is now working with the relevant authorities to return Anderson to custody in Northern Ireland.
Anderson is serving a minimum 15-year prison term for the murder of father-of-five Karol Kelly in Derry in 2018.
Gary Anderson arrested in Donegal
Detective Inspector Gareth Lavery thanked those who had assisted police during the search for Anderson and praised the cooperation of An Garda Síochána.
He said officers had carried out extensive enquiries to locate Anderson and confirmed that work was now under way with the relevant authorities to return him to custody.
Anderson had been unlawfully at large after being granted compassionate temporary release from Maghaberry Prison to attend his father’s funeral in Derry.
The Northern Ireland Prison Service had initially refused the temporary release. That decision was subsequently challenged in court and set aside, allowing Anderson a period of compassionate temporary release subject to conditions. He later absconded from a court-approved civilian chaperone.
Naomi Long welcomes arrest
Justice Minister Naomi Long welcomed confirmation of Anderson’s arrest and thanked police on both sides of the border.
“I welcome the news that Gary Anderson has been arrested in the Republic of Ireland and I want to thank the Police Service of Northern Ireland and An Garda Síochána for their swift and effective work in locating and apprehending him,” the Minister said.
Ms Long said her thoughts remained with the family of Karol Kelly following what she described as a “deeply distressing period”.
She added: “I hope today’s development goes some way towards alleviating the anxiety and uncertainty they have experienced.”
Independent review to be established
Despite Anderson’s arrest, questions remain over the circumstances in which he was able to leave prison and subsequently abscond.
Ms Long confirmed that work is continuing to establish an independent review into the circumstances surrounding Anderson’s compassionate temporary release.
Further details of that review are expected to be announced shortly.
The Department of Justice had previously disclosed that information concerning an opportunity for the Prison Service to reconsider its original decision had not been communicated to the relevant people within the Northern Ireland Prison Service following the court proceedings.
Ms Long said on Wednesday: “I recognise that questions remain about the circumstances surrounding Mr Anderson’s compassionate temporary release and subsequent abscondment.”
She also confirmed that she expects to meet the Kelly family later this week to hear their concerns directly.
Serving sentence for murder of Karol Kelly
Anderson and his brother Sean were convicted of murdering 35-year-old Karol Kelly, a father of five, following an incident in Derry in March 2018.
Karol Kelly was stabbed several times during the incident. Gary Anderson was subsequently given a minimum tariff of 15 years, while his brother received a 17-year minimum term.
The arrest brings to an end the search for Anderson, but the circumstances surrounding his temporary release are set to remain under scrutiny as the proposed independent review progresses.