Full Breakdown
Gary Anderson recaptured after escape during compassionate release
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: Escape and arrest
Gary Anderson, 29, was sentenced in 2023 to a 15-year term for the 2018 murder of Karol Kelly in Derry. While on temporary compassionate release to attend his father’s funeral, Anderson failed to return to custody on September 14. After a public appeal by the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), he was located and arrested by An Garda Síochána at a property in the Buncrana area of County Donegal shortly before 2 p.m. on September 23.
Background & Context
Compassionate temporary release (CTR) can be granted when a prisoner’s close relative dies or is seriously ill, but the decision must weigh case-specific circumstances and risk assessments. Anderson’s release followed an emergency judicial review in which the duty governor at Maghaberry Prison relied on an inflated risk score of 32, indicating a high likelihood of reoffending. The review later revealed the correct score was 27, a medium risk, and that the higher figure had been entered by a colleague rather than the governor. Judge Mr Justice Rooney ruled the decision “flawed” and “unlawful,” granting release subject to conditions.
Data & Statistics
- 15-year prison sentence (minimum term 15 years).
- Risk assessment recorded at 27 (medium) versus the erroneous 32 (high).
Official Statements & Responses
Justice Minister Naomi Long welcomed the arrest, saying it should help “alleviate the anxiety and uncertainty” experienced by the Kelly family and confirming an independent review of the release process is under way.
Detective Inspector Gareth Lavery of the PSNI thanked members of the public for their assistance, stating that officers conducted “extensive enquiries” following the appeal.
Ulster Unionist Party leader Jon Burrows called for Anderson’s swift return to custody, while DUP Justice spokesperson Paul Frew said “significant questions” remain for the Department of Justice.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the procedural chain that led to Anderson’s release. Some reports state that the prison governor initially refused compassionate leave and that the decision was overturned by a judge; others emphasize that the judge’s judgment identified an inaccurate risk score as the key error. Justice Minister Long’s statements reveal that information about a possible reconsideration of the release decision was not communicated to the Northern Ireland Prison Service, leaving a gap in the hand-over process.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This is a situation which never should have arisen, and this was made worse when the full facts only emerged following significant public pressure.” — Foyle MLA Julie Middleton
What’s Next
An independent review of the temporary release decision has been commissioned, with findings to be announced in the coming weeks. Justice Minister Long has said she will meet the Kelly family “as soon as possible” and will make a formal statement to the Assembly regarding the investigation and any corrective measures. The PSNI continues to urge anyone with information about Anderson’s whereabouts to contact authorities immediately.
