Re-Arrested Prisoner Freed On Licence

The Justice Minister has defended a controversial decision by the Parole Commissioners to free a republican prisoner.

Considerable pressure was exerted over the matter by senior Sinn Fein politicians, including the Deputy First Minister, Martin McGuinness and the man's local MP, with the bid for the robbery suspect's freedom on compassionate ground refused up to now.

Now, the Alliance party Leader and Executive Minister David Ford (pictured) has countered criticism of the man being freed after a virtual 'U-turn' by claiming that Brendan Lillis could "still stand trial if his health improved".

He was speaking after weeks of wrangling led to the 57-year-old, who suffers from the arthritic condition, ankylosing spondylitis, having his freedom on licence reinstated.

However, he is expected to remain in Belfast City Hospital for some time. He was transferred there from Maghaberry Prison last week.

Lillis was sentenced to life in 1977 on explosives charges, but was freed on licence in 1993. It was revoked in 2009 after he was arrested on robbery charges.

DUP 'Concerned'

Now, the DUP Justice Committee Chairman Paul Givan has attacked the move: "The Parole Commission must clarify the basis for their decision to release Brendan Lillis.

"Particularly because the individual has not been tried for the crimes with which he is charged and because the individual has already been convicted of serious offences and is on a licence that prohibits him from committing any further offences.

"Last week I received correspondence from the Health Minister Edwin Poots indicating that the Health Trust was able to provide appropriate care for Mr Lillis within the prison.

"I passed this information on to the Justice Minister and asked for it to be given to those considering his release," he said.

"Many in Northern Ireland will be concerned by this announcement as Mr Lillis was charged with serious offences.

"Up until this point the Parole Commission and Justice Minister had refused release, which given the sudden change and public interest in this case requires a public explanation from the Commission.

"This announcement does not send out a signal that serious crime will be punished and will undermine public confidence in the Parole Commission," he fumed, adding that he is to meet face-to-face with the Parole Commissioners to discuss the Brendan Lillis release on Monday.

"I will be asking the Chief Commissioner to outline clearly the rationale behind their decision and also indicating, if the Justice Committee agrees, that they should appear in front of the Committee in due course.

"It is important that the Committee understands how a decision like this is arrived at as a dangerous precedent is being established.

"Brendan Lillis has been released and is undoubtedly 'Northern Ireland's al-Megrahi'. It is not the right decision and it is one which will be regretted in the future."

In response, the Justice Minister has again emphasised that the decision to release the republican lay with the Parole Commissioners and not his department and also stressed that should his condition improve he could be returned to custody and even face trial.

"As I understand it the matter is being kept under review and it will be possible if his medical condition improved that he would be returned for trial on the charges which he faces from his alleged activities two years ago," he told BBC NI today.

West Belfast Sinn Fein MP, Paul Maskey has welcomed news of the release, which he said comes after significant lobbying.

"No Republican would condone the criminal activities Brendan Lillis was accused of being involved in.

"However this was an issue of a seriously ill man who had been deemed too sick to stand trial continuing to be held in prison. Sinn Fein is absolutely opposed to the revocation of licenses. It is tantamount to internment and goes against natural justice.

"From the start what this case required was compassion from the criminal justice system. It was obvious that Brendan Lillis posed no threat to society; he has been bed-ridden for almost two years.

"Myself and colleagues have held numerous meetings with the prison administration and the Justice Minister David Ford in an attempt to secure Brendan Lillis release.

"Last week Sinn Fein made a written submission to the Parole Commissioners. We are satisfied that common sense has now prevailed and Brendan Lillis has been freed from prison to continue his medical care in hospital."

See: 'No Release' But Lillis Campaign Continues

(BMcC/GK)