Menu
17/05/2006
Finucane murderer may be released
The man convicted with the murder of Belfast solicitor Pat Finucane, could be released from prison.
Ken Barrett, was given a life sentence in 2004, after admitting to being involved in the murder in 1989.
At the time of his sentencing, the judge told Barrett that he could spend at least 22-years in prison.
He was also told that he would not qualify for early release under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement, because he was to be held in an English prison.
However, this changed in 2005, when he was transferred to Maghaberry Jail.
The Sentence Review Commission is holding a three-day hearing at Maghaberry Jail to decide whether he qualifies for release.
The commission will sanction his release if they are satisfied that he no longer has any connection to loyalist paramilitaries, and does not pose a threat to the public.
Northern Ireland Secretary of State Peter Hain will also make a submission to the hearing to help the commissioners reach their decision.
The hearing is due to end on Wednesday, with a decision expected by the end of May.
Pat Finucane was shot dead in front of his wife and family, by the UDA in 1989.
The murder was one of the most controversial in the history of the troubles and the family have always maintained that there was police collusion in the solicitor's death.
(EF/SP)
Ken Barrett, was given a life sentence in 2004, after admitting to being involved in the murder in 1989.
At the time of his sentencing, the judge told Barrett that he could spend at least 22-years in prison.
He was also told that he would not qualify for early release under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement, because he was to be held in an English prison.
However, this changed in 2005, when he was transferred to Maghaberry Jail.
The Sentence Review Commission is holding a three-day hearing at Maghaberry Jail to decide whether he qualifies for release.
The commission will sanction his release if they are satisfied that he no longer has any connection to loyalist paramilitaries, and does not pose a threat to the public.
Northern Ireland Secretary of State Peter Hain will also make a submission to the hearing to help the commissioners reach their decision.
The hearing is due to end on Wednesday, with a decision expected by the end of May.
Pat Finucane was shot dead in front of his wife and family, by the UDA in 1989.
The murder was one of the most controversial in the history of the troubles and the family have always maintained that there was police collusion in the solicitor's death.
(EF/SP)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
31 August 2021
53-Year-Old Dies In Custody At Maghaberry Prison
A 53-year-old has reportedly died in custody at Maghaberry Prison, the Northern Ireland Prison Service has announced. The Department of Justice has reported that the prisoner died on Saturday 28 August, that his next of kin have been informed and that the death was not covid related.
53-Year-Old Dies In Custody At Maghaberry Prison
A 53-year-old has reportedly died in custody at Maghaberry Prison, the Northern Ireland Prison Service has announced. The Department of Justice has reported that the prisoner died on Saturday 28 August, that his next of kin have been informed and that the death was not covid related.
31 August 2018
Man Dies In Maghaberry Prison
A 22-year-old man has died while in custody at Maghaberry Prison, the Northern Ireland Prison Service has reported. The Department of Justice has confirmed that the man died in custody on the morning of Thursday, 30 August. The man's next of kin have been informed. The PSNI, Coroner and Prisoner Ombudsman have been informed about the death.
Man Dies In Maghaberry Prison
A 22-year-old man has died while in custody at Maghaberry Prison, the Northern Ireland Prison Service has reported. The Department of Justice has confirmed that the man died in custody on the morning of Thursday, 30 August. The man's next of kin have been informed. The PSNI, Coroner and Prisoner Ombudsman have been informed about the death.
14 March 2017
Female Prison Officer Injured After Being Attacked At Magahberry Jail
A female prison officer has been injured after being attacked by a male inmate at Maghaberry Prison just outside Lisburn. A sharp weapon is believed to have been used. The officer was taken to hospital to be treated. A Prison Service spokesperson said: "A prison officer has suffered a serious injury following an assault by a prisoner in Maghaberry.
Female Prison Officer Injured After Being Attacked At Magahberry Jail
A female prison officer has been injured after being attacked by a male inmate at Maghaberry Prison just outside Lisburn. A sharp weapon is believed to have been used. The officer was taken to hospital to be treated. A Prison Service spokesperson said: "A prison officer has suffered a serious injury following an assault by a prisoner in Maghaberry.
14 September 2016
Staff At Maghaberry Prison Watched As Prisoner Self-Harmed
Staff at Maghaberry Prison in Lisburn have been criticised after they failed to intervene while a prisoner blinded himself, according to a Prison Ombudsman report. Sean Lynch, 23, was being detained at the prison in June 2014 and inflicted "extreme and shocking" injuries through self-harm over a three day period.
Staff At Maghaberry Prison Watched As Prisoner Self-Harmed
Staff at Maghaberry Prison in Lisburn have been criticised after they failed to intervene while a prisoner blinded himself, according to a Prison Ombudsman report. Sean Lynch, 23, was being detained at the prison in June 2014 and inflicted "extreme and shocking" injuries through self-harm over a three day period.
26 October 2009
Prison Arts Celebrated
Northern Ireland prisoners have won two first prizes and landed more than 29 awards in a prestigious UK-wide competition for prison arts. Artwork from Maghaberry and Hydebank Wood was among 150 original visual pieces on display at the annual Koestler Awards Exhibition which previewed at the Royal Festival Hall in London today.
Prison Arts Celebrated
Northern Ireland prisoners have won two first prizes and landed more than 29 awards in a prestigious UK-wide competition for prison arts. Artwork from Maghaberry and Hydebank Wood was among 150 original visual pieces on display at the annual Koestler Awards Exhibition which previewed at the Royal Festival Hall in London today.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and 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.
