Story perspectives

Judge Finds Wrong Risk Score Blocked Anderson Funeral Attendance

By Drooid · Sep 20, 2026, 9:59 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Durkan Requests Meeting

SDLP MLA Colum Durkan said the Kelly family learned of Anderson’s release only after it occurred.
Durkan wrote to the justice minister requesting a meeting so the family can question the release decision.
Judge Mr Justice Rooney ruled the Maghaberry duty governor used an inaccurate risk score to deny Anderson’s funeral attendance.
The decision listed Anderson’s risk as 32 (high) rather than the correct 27 (medium).

Summary

Police Seek Anderson

Police have launched a nationwide appeal for information on Gary Anderson’s whereabouts after he failed to return.
Detective Inspector Gareth Lavery urged not to approach Anderson and to call 101, ref 555, on 14/09/26.
Crimestoppers provides an anonymous tip line at 0800 555 111 for anyone with leads.
Police say Anderson was last seen at 11:00 BST Monday in Eastway, Creggan, Derry.
Officers are reviewing CCTV and patrolling Derry with An Garda Síochána.

History

Historical Context

The 1998 Good Friday Agreement, signed by the British and Irish governments, required the early release of paramilitary prisoners who upheld a cease-fire, ultimately freeing 428 inmates by July 2000. That release, overseen by the Sentence Review Commission, still fuels disputes such as SDLP MLA Colum Durkan’s 2024 challenge to Gary Anderson’s risk-score, echoing the original release criteria.

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Durkan Requests Meeting

SDLP MLA Colum Durkan said the Kelly family learned of Anderson’s release only after it occurred.
Durkan wrote to the justice minister requesting a meeting so the family can question the release decision.
Judge Mr Justice Rooney ruled the Maghaberry duty governor used an inaccurate risk score to deny Anderson’s funeral attendance.
The decision listed Anderson’s risk as 32 (high) rather than the correct 27 (medium).

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