Full Breakdown
Naomi Long defends handling of Gary Anderson compassionate release after escape
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: Escape of convicted killer Gary Anderson following court-approved compassionate temporary release
Gary Anderson, one of two brothers sentenced to life imprisonment in 2023 for the murder of Karol Kelly in Londonderry, was granted a two-hour compassionate temporary release (CTR) to attend his father’s funeral. While under the supervision of a court-appointed civilian chaperone, Anderson absconded on the morning of the funeral. The incident has led to accusations that Stormont Justice Minister Naomi Long misled the Northern Ireland Assembly about whether the Prison Service had been given an opportunity to reconsider the release decision.
Background & Context
Compassionate temporary release allows prisoners to leave custody for a short period when a close family member has died or is seriously ill, but the decision must weigh the offender’s risk to the public. Anderson’s original CTR application had been denied by prison officials. A judicial review later overturned the refusal for Gary Anderson, ordering his release subject to conditions, while upholding the denial for his brother Sean.
The judge found that the duty governor at Maghaberry Prison had based the refusal on an inflated risk assessment. The Prison Service’s internal system recorded Anderson’s likelihood of reoffending as a score of 27 (medium risk), but the decision letter cited a score of 32 (high risk). A legal representative for the Prison Service told the court the higher score had come from a colleague, not the governor’s own knowledge.
Official Statements & Responses
Justice Minister Naomi Long told the Assembly she “took exception” to suggestions she had misled members and that she had provided information “with full candour” based on what was then known. She said a procedural failure in the Departmental Solicitor’s Office meant the Prison Service was not informed that the judge had offered a chance to reconsider the decision. Long added she had asked for a full independent review and intended to meet the Kelly family “in the coming days.”
Mr Justice Rooney concluded that the Prison Service’s refusal was “flawed” and “unlawful” because it relied on “irrelevant and incorrect factors.”
Speaker Edwin Poots remarked that the information given to the Assembly “was not fully accurate” and emphasized the duty of ministers to correct the record promptly.
Criticism & Opposition
DUP MLA Paul Frew expressed concern for public safety and urged Long to apologise for “misleading this House.”
Ulster Unionist Party leader Jon Burrows said the public were “frightened” and the victim’s family “re-traumatised,” questioning Long’s competence.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The judge’s judgment indicates the duty governor was invited to reconsider the CTR decision, an offer he declined. Naomi Long, however, stated that the offer was never passed on to Prison Service decision-makers because of a procedural lapse. The discrepancy remains unresolved.
What’s Next
An independent review, commissioned by the Department of Justice, will examine the entire sequence—from the original compassionate leave application through the judicial review and Anderson’s escape. Long has indicated she will meet with Karol Kelly’s family to apologise, and police, in cooperation with An Garda Síochána, continue the manhunt for Anderson.