Full Breakdown
Gary Anderson Absconds After Court-Ordered Compassionate Release
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
Gary Anderson, a 29-year-old convicted of the 2018 murder of Karol Kelly, was granted a short period of day release to attend his father’s funeral. The release, ordered by a court after it overturned the Northern Ireland Prison Service’s refusal, required him to be accompanied by a civilian chaperone. Anderson failed to return to prison and is now unlawfully at large. The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has issued an urgent appeal for information and urged the public not to approach him directly.
Background & Context
The Northern Ireland Prison Service’s compassionate temporary release scheme allows sentenced prisoners to apply for short-term release when an immediate family member has died or is critically ill. Each application undergoes a “robust risk assessment” that weighs public-safety risk and the likelihood of absconding or reoffending. In Anderson’s case, the Prison Service concluded the risk was too great and refused his request. A judicial review prompted a court to set aside that decision and order his release under the scheme, with the condition of a civilian chaperone rather than a prison officer.
Data & Statistics
- Height: approximately 5 feet 11 inches; slim build; brown hair (PSNI description).
- Sentence: minimum 15 years for murder, imposed in 2023.
- Victim: Karol Kelly, 35, was stabbed to death on March 4, 2018 in Grafton Street, Londonderry.
- Both Anderson brothers were convicted of the 2018 killing; Sean Anderson received a minimum 17-year term.
Official Statements & Responses
Justice Minister Naomi Long emphasized that the compassionate release scheme itself was not “abused or failed.” She noted that the Prison Service had conducted all necessary checks and concluded Anderson was not safe for temporary release, but the court’s order superseded that assessment. The PSNI reiterated the appeal for Anderson to surrender, describing him as still at large and warning the public against direct contact.
Verbatim Quotes
- “However, the decision was subsequently set aside by the court” — Ms Long, justice minister
- “The Justice Minister has confirmed that Anderson was subsequently released with only a civilian chaperone,” — Mr Burrows
- “Gary Anderson absconded from a short period of leave under the Prison Service’s compassionate temporary release scheme,” — Ms Long, justice minister