Menu
28/07/2011
NI Justice Boss Should 'Resist Calls For Release'
There's a row brewing in Northern Ireland this week as the East Londonderry Westminster MP Gregory Campbell has urged the Stormont Justice Minister David Ford to "resist political pressure" from those calling for the re-release of a convicted criminal.
Sinn Fein is backing the prisoner, Brendan Lillis, who the MP described as "a terrorist and a criminal who was responsible for a number of serious crimes".
The DUP MP said: "He was convicted, released, and then returned to prison and now there are some like Sinn Fein who are arguing that he should be released once more. His victims must be foremost in our consideration of the matter."
Yesterday, the Sinn Fein Westminster MP for West Belfast, Paul Maskey urged the Justice Minister to "show leadership and release Brendan Lillis".
"The decision taken by the Life Sentence Review Commission not to release Brendan Lillis was the wrong decision and we made this clear to the Justice Minister pressing on him the need to overturn this decision and release Brendan Lillis immediately.
"Brendan Lillis is currently critically ill - too ill to stand trial. He is currently 5 stone 5lbs in weight and while this legal advice is awaited his health could deteriorate further.
"The continued imprisonment of Brendan Lillis does not serve the public interest and he should be released now on humanitarian grounds," he insisted.
Mr Lillis, who suffers from a severe arthritic condition, was sentenced to life in 1977 on explosives charges.
The 59-year-old served almost 16 years of that sentence before being released on licence in 1993.
Then, Secretary of State Shaun Woodward revoked this facility in 2009 after Mr Lillis was re-arrested on robbery charges.
The reason given was that he was "a danger to the public" and was told he would have to serve the rest of his original life sentence at Maghaberry Prison.
However, earlier this year, it was decided Mr Lillis was too ill to stand trial, although he could face charges if his health improves.
(BMcC/GK)
Sinn Fein is backing the prisoner, Brendan Lillis, who the MP described as "a terrorist and a criminal who was responsible for a number of serious crimes".
The DUP MP said: "He was convicted, released, and then returned to prison and now there are some like Sinn Fein who are arguing that he should be released once more. His victims must be foremost in our consideration of the matter."
Yesterday, the Sinn Fein Westminster MP for West Belfast, Paul Maskey urged the Justice Minister to "show leadership and release Brendan Lillis".
"The decision taken by the Life Sentence Review Commission not to release Brendan Lillis was the wrong decision and we made this clear to the Justice Minister pressing on him the need to overturn this decision and release Brendan Lillis immediately.
"Brendan Lillis is currently critically ill - too ill to stand trial. He is currently 5 stone 5lbs in weight and while this legal advice is awaited his health could deteriorate further.
"The continued imprisonment of Brendan Lillis does not serve the public interest and he should be released now on humanitarian grounds," he insisted.
Mr Lillis, who suffers from a severe arthritic condition, was sentenced to life in 1977 on explosives charges.
The 59-year-old served almost 16 years of that sentence before being released on licence in 1993.
Then, Secretary of State Shaun Woodward revoked this facility in 2009 after Mr Lillis was re-arrested on robbery charges.
The reason given was that he was "a danger to the public" and was told he would have to serve the rest of his original life sentence at Maghaberry Prison.
However, earlier this year, it was decided Mr Lillis was too ill to stand trial, although he could face charges if his health improves.
(BMcC/GK)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
19 August 2011
Ulster Prisoner Freed On Licence
The Stormont Justice Minister has defended a controversial decision by Parole Commissioners in Northern Ireland to free a sick republican prisoner.
Ulster Prisoner Freed On Licence
The Stormont Justice Minister has defended a controversial decision by Parole Commissioners in Northern Ireland to free a sick republican prisoner.
10 August 2011
Sinn Fein MP Calls For Prisoner's Release
The Sinn Fein politician who replaced the party President as the MP for West Belfast has again called for action over an ill republican prisoner after it emerged that Brendan Lillis was being moved from prison to an outside hospital.
Sinn Fein MP Calls For Prisoner's Release
The Sinn Fein politician who replaced the party President as the MP for West Belfast has again called for action over an ill republican prisoner after it emerged that Brendan Lillis was being moved from prison to an outside hospital.
29 July 2003
Blunkett clarifies position on Martin case
Home Secretary David Blunkett said today that those intruding on the lives and property of decent citizens should not be able to "turn the tables and sue them". He was commenting on the cases of Tony Martin and Brendon Fearon. Tony Martin was found guilty of killing Fred Barras, who was shot during a burglary in Norfolk on 20 August 1999.
Blunkett clarifies position on Martin case
Home Secretary David Blunkett said today that those intruding on the lives and property of decent citizens should not be able to "turn the tables and sue them". He was commenting on the cases of Tony Martin and Brendon Fearon. Tony Martin was found guilty of killing Fred Barras, who was shot during a burglary in Norfolk on 20 August 1999.
05 January 2004
'Life' tariff increased for heinous murders
From today, the start of the new legal year, life will mean life for the most heinous murderers.
'Life' tariff increased for heinous murders
From today, the start of the new legal year, life will mean life for the most heinous murderers.
13 September 2010
Unions Call For Co-Ordinated Action On Cuts
Trade unions are calling for co-ordinated strike action against the Government's planned spending cuts. Delegates at the TUC's annual congress in Manchester have backed plans for "joint industrial action", if the scale of planned Govenrment cuts is not reduced.
Unions Call For Co-Ordinated Action On Cuts
Trade unions are calling for co-ordinated strike action against the Government's planned spending cuts. Delegates at the TUC's annual congress in Manchester have backed plans for "joint industrial action", if the scale of planned Govenrment cuts is not reduced.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:It will be cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, soon followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
