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Justice Minister Naomi Long issued an apology following the apprehension of convicted killer James Meehan, who had absconded for nine months after being granted day release from Magilligan prison. Meehan, serving a life sentence for the murder of Jim McFadden in Londonderry in 2007, was finally arrested in the Republic of Ireland last week.
Questions were raised by Ulster Unionist Party justice spokesperson Doug Beattie regarding Meehan’s day release privileges, considering his history of absconding and fleeing during his trial. The prison service defended its procedures, stating that most inmates adhere to the conditions of day release. However, Beattie emphasized the need for stricter regulations on testing prisoners’ eligibility for graduated release to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Naomi Long expressed regret to Mr. McFadden’s family over the ordeal they have experienced. In an interview with BBC Radio Foyle’s North West Today program, Minister Long acknowledged the challenges in ensuring prisoners take full advantage of rehabilitation opportunities. She emphasized the government’s commitment to addressing concerns raised by incidents like Meehan’s escape, focusing on enhancing pre-release assessments and compassionate release policies.
Former Justice Minister Clare Sugden stressed the importance of prioritizing victims in decisions about prisoners’ day release. Meanwhile, the Northern Ireland Prison Service highlighted the complexities in managing around 4,000 individuals passing through the system annually, acknowledging that while efforts are made to minimize risks, some inmates may make poor choices. They underscored the significance of pre-release testing in facilitating rehabilitation and societal reintegration for long-serving prisoners
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