Menu
15/01/2019
Loyalist Killer Michael Stone Must Spend Longer In Prison
Notorious loyalist killer Michael Stone is to remain in prison until 2024 before he can be considered eligible for release, according to a new High Court ruling.
Judges held that the Department of Justice (DoJ) had wrongly determined that the bomber would now be eligible to seek freedom from jail.
Their verdict, in a legal challenge taken by the sister of one of Mr Stone's victims, came as he was set to go before the Parole Commissioners.
The hearing has now been put on hold pending any further appeals.
Mr Justice McCloskey, sitting with Mr Justice Colton, said a six-year period the ex-UDA man spent out on licence before he launched an attempt to murder Sinn Fein leaders Gerry Adams and Martin McGuinness at Stormont in 2006 should not count towards his 30-year minimum term of imprisonment.
He had been freed under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement in 2000.
Quashing the DoJ's decision, Mr Justice McCloskey confirmed: "The earliest date upon which Mr Stone might be released on parole licence will fall around July 2024."
Deborah McGuinness, whose brother Thomas McErlean was murdered in the Milltown Cemetery bomb in 1988 along with two others, took the case to ensure Mr Stone served his full sentence of 30 years.
(JG/CM)
Judges held that the Department of Justice (DoJ) had wrongly determined that the bomber would now be eligible to seek freedom from jail.
Their verdict, in a legal challenge taken by the sister of one of Mr Stone's victims, came as he was set to go before the Parole Commissioners.
The hearing has now been put on hold pending any further appeals.
Mr Justice McCloskey, sitting with Mr Justice Colton, said a six-year period the ex-UDA man spent out on licence before he launched an attempt to murder Sinn Fein leaders Gerry Adams and Martin McGuinness at Stormont in 2006 should not count towards his 30-year minimum term of imprisonment.
He had been freed under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement in 2000.
Quashing the DoJ's decision, Mr Justice McCloskey confirmed: "The earliest date upon which Mr Stone might be released on parole licence will fall around July 2024."
Deborah McGuinness, whose brother Thomas McErlean was murdered in the Milltown Cemetery bomb in 1988 along with two others, took the case to ensure Mr Stone served his full sentence of 30 years.
(JG/CM)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
21 November 2024
Public Consultation On Decriminalising Rough Sleeping And Begging
The public is invited to share their opinions on proposals to decriminalise rough sleeping and begging in Northern Ireland. Justice Minister Naomi Long has launched a consultation on the repeal of Section 4 of the Vagrancy Act 1824 and Section 3 of the Vagrancy (Ireland) Act 1847.
Public Consultation On Decriminalising Rough Sleeping And Begging
The public is invited to share their opinions on proposals to decriminalise rough sleeping and begging in Northern Ireland. Justice Minister Naomi Long has launched a consultation on the repeal of Section 4 of the Vagrancy Act 1824 and Section 3 of the Vagrancy (Ireland) Act 1847.
19 November 2024
Justice Minister Announces Additional Funding For Department
Justice Minister Naomi Long has welcomed the allocation of an additional £39.3 million to the Department of Justice following the October Monitoring Round. This funding will be used to address various pressures within the justice system, including those arising from the civil disorder during the summer.
Justice Minister Announces Additional Funding For Department
Justice Minister Naomi Long has welcomed the allocation of an additional £39.3 million to the Department of Justice following the October Monitoring Round. This funding will be used to address various pressures within the justice system, including those arising from the civil disorder during the summer.
26 September 2008
Stone Case Ends
Judgement has been reserved after the final day of evidence in the trial of loyalist killer Michael Stone. Mr Justice Deeney said he would return his verdict on the three-week trial "as soon as I can" after he heard closing speeches from defence and prosecution lawyers.
Stone Case Ends
Judgement has been reserved after the final day of evidence in the trial of loyalist killer Michael Stone. Mr Justice Deeney said he would return his verdict on the three-week trial "as soon as I can" after he heard closing speeches from defence and prosecution lawyers.
03 October 2017
Appeal Issued For Wanted Man
Police in Craigavon are appealing for help to trace a wanted man. Stephen Magee, aged 36, had his licence revoked and the PSNI said he is now "unlawfully at large". It is believed he may be in the Craigavon/Belfast area. A PSNI spokesperson said: "He has had his Licence revoked under Article 28(2) of The Criminal Justice Order 2008.
Appeal Issued For Wanted Man
Police in Craigavon are appealing for help to trace a wanted man. Stephen Magee, aged 36, had his licence revoked and the PSNI said he is now "unlawfully at large". It is believed he may be in the Craigavon/Belfast area. A PSNI spokesperson said: "He has had his Licence revoked under Article 28(2) of The Criminal Justice Order 2008.
11 April 2019
Quarry Water A 'Stone Cold Killer'
A new campaign has been launched warning of the dangers of swimming on disused quarries. As the Easter holidays and summer period approaches the likelihood of good weather brings additional risks, the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has said.
Quarry Water A 'Stone Cold Killer'
A new campaign has been launched warning of the dangers of swimming on disused quarries. As the Easter holidays and summer period approaches the likelihood of good weather brings additional risks, the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has said.
-
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.
