Menu
05/08/2009
McCabe Killers' Apology 'Genuine': Adams
The Sinn Féin President has said that apologies from the killers of an Irish police detective - who were released from jail today - were genuine.
Gerry Adams (pictured) made the comments as the two men who were convicted of the manslaughter of Detective Garda Jerry McCabe in 1996 were freed from Castlerea Prison.
Kevin Walsh from Limerick and Pearse McCauley from Strabane, Co Tyrone, had been given 14-year sentences for the manslaughter of the Limerick detective and completed just over ten years of their sentences.
The two walked out of the Co Roscommon prison shortly after 7am this morning where they were met by Sinn Féin TD Martin Ferris. They were then driven away in a van without making any comment.
Gerry Adams has spoken out as the men were released, saying he believed that apologies the men had given were genuine.
"In a public statement some years ago the IRA members convicted in relation to Jerry McCabe's death and the wounding of Gardai Ben O'Sullivan, expressed their deep regret and apologised for the 'hurt and grief we have caused to their families'.
"I believe that this apology was genuine and it echoes the sentiments of republicans everywhere. I deeply regret the great loss and hurt suffered by the McCabe and O'Sullivan families," Mr Adams said.
He added: "The release of Kevin Walsh and Pearse McCauley comes at the end of their sentences, despite them being qualifying IRA prisoners under the Good Friday Agreement."
Meanwhile, the UK authorities have dropped plans to extradite either Pearse McAuley - who was released from Castlerea Prison this morning - or Nessan Quinlivan.
The two IRA men were sought over alleged offences when they escaped from London's Brixton prison 18 years ago.
It was confirmed today that the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) was no longer preparing a case against McAuley or Quinlivan.
The pair were awaiting trial on conspiracy to murder and explosives charges when they launched the jail-break in July 1991.
In a statement the CPS said: "Having reviewed these cases, the CPS has decided there is no longer a realistic prospect of conviction."
However, Jeffery Donaldson of the DUP: "Discharging a firearm and breaking out of jail is a criminal offence.
"People will be aghast to hear the CPS claiming they could not secure a conviction in such circumstances."
(DW/BMcc)
Gerry Adams (pictured) made the comments as the two men who were convicted of the manslaughter of Detective Garda Jerry McCabe in 1996 were freed from Castlerea Prison.
Kevin Walsh from Limerick and Pearse McCauley from Strabane, Co Tyrone, had been given 14-year sentences for the manslaughter of the Limerick detective and completed just over ten years of their sentences.
The two walked out of the Co Roscommon prison shortly after 7am this morning where they were met by Sinn Féin TD Martin Ferris. They were then driven away in a van without making any comment.
Gerry Adams has spoken out as the men were released, saying he believed that apologies the men had given were genuine.
"In a public statement some years ago the IRA members convicted in relation to Jerry McCabe's death and the wounding of Gardai Ben O'Sullivan, expressed their deep regret and apologised for the 'hurt and grief we have caused to their families'.
"I believe that this apology was genuine and it echoes the sentiments of republicans everywhere. I deeply regret the great loss and hurt suffered by the McCabe and O'Sullivan families," Mr Adams said.
He added: "The release of Kevin Walsh and Pearse McCauley comes at the end of their sentences, despite them being qualifying IRA prisoners under the Good Friday Agreement."
Meanwhile, the UK authorities have dropped plans to extradite either Pearse McAuley - who was released from Castlerea Prison this morning - or Nessan Quinlivan.
The two IRA men were sought over alleged offences when they escaped from London's Brixton prison 18 years ago.
It was confirmed today that the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) was no longer preparing a case against McAuley or Quinlivan.
The pair were awaiting trial on conspiracy to murder and explosives charges when they launched the jail-break in July 1991.
In a statement the CPS said: "Having reviewed these cases, the CPS has decided there is no longer a realistic prospect of conviction."
However, Jeffery Donaldson of the DUP: "Discharging a firearm and breaking out of jail is a criminal offence.
"People will be aghast to hear the CPS claiming they could not secure a conviction in such circumstances."
(DW/BMcc)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
31 August 2021
53-Year-Old Dies In Custody At Maghaberry Prison
A 53-year-old has reportedly died in custody at Maghaberry Prison, the Northern Ireland Prison Service has announced. The Department of Justice has reported that the prisoner died on Saturday 28 August, that his next of kin have been informed and that the death was not covid related.
53-Year-Old Dies In Custody At Maghaberry Prison
A 53-year-old has reportedly died in custody at Maghaberry Prison, the Northern Ireland Prison Service has announced. The Department of Justice has reported that the prisoner died on Saturday 28 August, that his next of kin have been informed and that the death was not covid related.
31 August 2018
Man Dies In Maghaberry Prison
A 22-year-old man has died while in custody at Maghaberry Prison, the Northern Ireland Prison Service has reported. The Department of Justice has confirmed that the man died in custody on the morning of Thursday, 30 August. The man's next of kin have been informed. The PSNI, Coroner and Prisoner Ombudsman have been informed about the death.
Man Dies In Maghaberry Prison
A 22-year-old man has died while in custody at Maghaberry Prison, the Northern Ireland Prison Service has reported. The Department of Justice has confirmed that the man died in custody on the morning of Thursday, 30 August. The man's next of kin have been informed. The PSNI, Coroner and Prisoner Ombudsman have been informed about the death.
14 March 2017
Female Prison Officer Injured After Being Attacked At Magahberry Jail
A female prison officer has been injured after being attacked by a male inmate at Maghaberry Prison just outside Lisburn. A sharp weapon is believed to have been used. The officer was taken to hospital to be treated. A Prison Service spokesperson said: "A prison officer has suffered a serious injury following an assault by a prisoner in Maghaberry.
Female Prison Officer Injured After Being Attacked At Magahberry Jail
A female prison officer has been injured after being attacked by a male inmate at Maghaberry Prison just outside Lisburn. A sharp weapon is believed to have been used. The officer was taken to hospital to be treated. A Prison Service spokesperson said: "A prison officer has suffered a serious injury following an assault by a prisoner in Maghaberry.
14 September 2016
Staff At Maghaberry Prison Watched As Prisoner Self-Harmed
Staff at Maghaberry Prison in Lisburn have been criticised after they failed to intervene while a prisoner blinded himself, according to a Prison Ombudsman report. Sean Lynch, 23, was being detained at the prison in June 2014 and inflicted "extreme and shocking" injuries through self-harm over a three day period.
Staff At Maghaberry Prison Watched As Prisoner Self-Harmed
Staff at Maghaberry Prison in Lisburn have been criticised after they failed to intervene while a prisoner blinded himself, according to a Prison Ombudsman report. Sean Lynch, 23, was being detained at the prison in June 2014 and inflicted "extreme and shocking" injuries through self-harm over a three day period.
26 October 2009
Prison Arts Celebrated
Northern Ireland prisoners have won two first prizes and landed more than 29 awards in a prestigious UK-wide competition for prison arts. Artwork from Maghaberry and Hydebank Wood was among 150 original visual pieces on display at the annual Koestler Awards Exhibition which previewed at the Royal Festival Hall in London today.
Prison Arts Celebrated
Northern Ireland prisoners have won two first prizes and landed more than 29 awards in a prestigious UK-wide competition for prison arts. Artwork from Maghaberry and Hydebank Wood was among 150 original visual pieces on display at the annual Koestler Awards Exhibition which previewed at the Royal Festival Hall in London today.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:The day will be very windy with strong to gale force westerly winds becoming occasionally severe along the north coast. Sunny spells will be interspersed with scattered showers. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:West to northwest gale force winds, severe along the north coast, will continue overnight. Frequent showers persist, merging into longer periods of rain at times and turning wintry. Minimum temperature 1 °C.
