Gary Anderson independent review to examine handling of compassionate release
A Gary Anderson independent review will examine the decisions and circumstances surrounding the convicted murderer’s compassionate temporary release and subsequent absconding, Justice Minister Naomi Long has announced.
Phil Copple, a former Director General of Operations in HM Prison and Probation Service, has been appointed to lead the independent examination.
The Department of Justice has also published the review’s terms of reference, with Commissioner Designate for Victims and Witnesses of Crime Geri Hanna available to provide advice to ensure relevant issues are considered from the perspective of victims.
Gary Anderson independent review to establish what happened
The review will examine the handling of Anderson’s application for compassionate temporary release and the circumstances which ultimately led to his release.
Its purpose is to establish the facts, understand what happened and when, identify lessons from the handling of the case and make recommendations for improvement.
Long said it was important that the review was able to follow the evidence wherever it leads and reach its conclusions independently.
She has also asked for the work to be progressed as quickly as possible so that lessons can be identified and any necessary improvements implemented.
The Minister has committed to updating the Northern Ireland Assembly on the outcome and recommendations arising from the review.
Review follows concerns over compassionate release
Anderson had been serving a 15-year sentence after being convicted of the murder of Karol Kelly in Derry.
He applied for compassionate temporary release to attend his father’s funeral in September.
The Northern Ireland Prison Service initially refused the application, but the decision was challenged through judicial review proceedings.
Questions subsequently emerged over communications surrounding the court proceedings.
Long told the Assembly last month that the possibility of reconsidering the original refusal had been discussed during the proceedings but had not been communicated to the Prison Service officials responsible for the decision.
She said the independent review would examine the handling of the case from the original application through the judicial review proceedings and subsequent events.
Anderson arrested after absconding
Anderson failed to return to custody following his temporary release and was unlawfully at large for more than a week.
He was subsequently arrested by An Garda Síochána in County Donegal on 23 September. The Justice Minister welcomed his arrest at the time.
The case prompted considerable scrutiny of the circumstances surrounding his release and the procedures involved.
Long said she had met the family of Karol Kelly and described the period as deeply distressing for them.
She said it was critical that the criminal justice system learned from what happened to avoid victims being retraumatised.
Phil Copple appointed to lead review
Phil Copple previously served as Director General of Operations in HM Prison and Probation Service.
Long said the review needed to provide an independent and objective assessment of the handling and consequences of Anderson’s compassionate temporary release application.
Geri Hanna will be available to advise the review from the perspective of victims.
The Minister said any lessons must be learned and improvements made, particularly in relation to the handling of future applications for compassionate temporary release.
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Further information: Read the terms of reference for the Gary Anderson independent review – Department of Justice