08/03/2010
Greysteel Murderer To Stay In Jail
Convicted Greysteel killer Torrens Knight is to stay in jail.
He has failed in his legal challenge to the decision of the Secretary of State Shaun Woodward to suspend his early release licence last December.
According to the SDLP East Derry MLA John Dallat many people will be pleased with the decision.
He said: "It is clear from the comments of Mr Justice Treacy who made the decision to dismiss Knight's appeal that the Secretary acted totally within his power in sending Knight back to jail after he was convicted of viciously assaulting Rosemary Sutherland and Caroline Nicholl.
"I am pleased that the judge has acknowledged that the secretary of state acted rationally and in good faith and that claims that his right to liberty were being denied were spurious. The truth is that any other course of action would have been an outrage," he said.
"I am particularly relieved that Judge Treacy has acknowledged that Knight’s release would have attracted public scorn and undermined public confidence in the criminal justice system.
"If anything that is an underestimate of the strength of feeling by many people in both communities.
"It is clear to me and to many that the Greysteel killer has not reformed, has shown no remorse for his attacks on the two ladies and is focussed entirely on getting himself out of jail." he continued, noting that the judge has acknowledged that the Secretary of State acted rationally and in good faith and that claims that Knight's rights to liberty were being denied were spurious.
"He belongs in jail. When the authorities eventually come to consider whether he is still a danger to the public, the bar must be set very high in line with the seriousness of his original crime of mass murder and his subsequent criminal action," the SDLP man concluded.
(BMcC/GK)
He has failed in his legal challenge to the decision of the Secretary of State Shaun Woodward to suspend his early release licence last December.
According to the SDLP East Derry MLA John Dallat many people will be pleased with the decision.
He said: "It is clear from the comments of Mr Justice Treacy who made the decision to dismiss Knight's appeal that the Secretary acted totally within his power in sending Knight back to jail after he was convicted of viciously assaulting Rosemary Sutherland and Caroline Nicholl.
"I am pleased that the judge has acknowledged that the secretary of state acted rationally and in good faith and that claims that his right to liberty were being denied were spurious. The truth is that any other course of action would have been an outrage," he said.
"I am particularly relieved that Judge Treacy has acknowledged that Knight’s release would have attracted public scorn and undermined public confidence in the criminal justice system.
"If anything that is an underestimate of the strength of feeling by many people in both communities.
"It is clear to me and to many that the Greysteel killer has not reformed, has shown no remorse for his attacks on the two ladies and is focussed entirely on getting himself out of jail." he continued, noting that the judge has acknowledged that the Secretary of State acted rationally and in good faith and that claims that Knight's rights to liberty were being denied were spurious.
"He belongs in jail. When the authorities eventually come to consider whether he is still a danger to the public, the bar must be set very high in line with the seriousness of his original crime of mass murder and his subsequent criminal action," the SDLP man concluded.
(BMcC/GK)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
27 November 2009
Loyalist Knight Sentencing Adjourned
Prominent loyalist Torrens Knight's sentencing for a brutal assault on two sisters was adjourned today. Knight, a convicted UFF killer, was found guilty of attacking the women in a Coleraine bar last month. The Greysteel gunman was returned to prison and had his early release licence suspended following the court ruling.
Loyalist Knight Sentencing Adjourned
Prominent loyalist Torrens Knight's sentencing for a brutal assault on two sisters was adjourned today. Knight, a convicted UFF killer, was found guilty of attacking the women in a Coleraine bar last month. The Greysteel gunman was returned to prison and had his early release licence suspended following the court ruling.
19 May 2023
Suspended Jail Sentence For Self-Employed Builder
A self-employed builder has been given a suspended jail sentence after pleading guilty at Belfast Crown Court to carrying out "substandard and unsafe" work.
Suspended Jail Sentence For Self-Employed Builder
A self-employed builder has been given a suspended jail sentence after pleading guilty at Belfast Crown Court to carrying out "substandard and unsafe" work.
17 November 2006
Former Mayor given four month jail term
A former DUP Mayor of Coleraine has today been given a four month jail term for electoral fraud. Dessie Stewart, 57, from Parker Avenue in Coleraine, pleaded guilty to pretending to be someone else to cast postal votes and and fraudulently stopping free exercise of a proxy vote during the last general and local elections in May 2005.
Former Mayor given four month jail term
A former DUP Mayor of Coleraine has today been given a four month jail term for electoral fraud. Dessie Stewart, 57, from Parker Avenue in Coleraine, pleaded guilty to pretending to be someone else to cast postal votes and and fraudulently stopping free exercise of a proxy vote during the last general and local elections in May 2005.
16 October 2007
Police In Clear Over Greysteel Killers
Police detectives did not have sufficient information that could have prevented the 1993 murders of eight people in Greysteel, the Police Ombudsman has found. An investigation was launched after the SDLP MLA John Dallat made a complaint, saying crucial information he gave to detectives was not acted on.
Police In Clear Over Greysteel Killers
Police detectives did not have sufficient information that could have prevented the 1993 murders of eight people in Greysteel, the Police Ombudsman has found. An investigation was launched after the SDLP MLA John Dallat made a complaint, saying crucial information he gave to detectives was not acted on.
28 October 2009
Jail Recall For Loyalist Halloween Murderer
A loyalist killer released under the Good Friday Agreement has been returned to prison. Torrens Knight had his licence suspended by the NIO Secretary of State, Shaun Woodward, (pictured) yesterday, after being found guilty of assaulting two women in Coleraine.
Jail Recall For Loyalist Halloween Murderer
A loyalist killer released under the Good Friday Agreement has been returned to prison. Torrens Knight had his licence suspended by the NIO Secretary of State, Shaun Woodward, (pictured) yesterday, after being found guilty of assaulting two women in Coleraine.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.