‘Serious questions to answer’ over release of life prisoner Gary Anderson
Ulster Unionist Party Leader Jon Burrows is pressing Justice Minister Naomi Long for answers over the release of at large prisoner Gary Anderson (centre)
Police are continuing to seek convicted murderer Gary Anderson as political pressure grows for a full explanation of how he came to be temporarily released from prison despite the Prison Service having initially decided he was unsuitable for compassionate temporary release.
Ulster Unionist Party leader Jon Burrows MLA has demanded answers over the circumstances surrounding the 29-year-old’s release and subsequent disappearance, describing the case as a matter of “serious public interest and public protection”.
Anderson was sentenced in 2023 to 15 years for murder. Police said on Monday that he had been on day release from prison and had failed to return, leaving him unlawfully at large.
Court overturned Prison Service decision
According to Mr Burrows, the Prison Service had decided Anderson was not suitable for compassionate temporary release, but that decision was subsequently overturned by a court.
Mr Burrows said:
“There are serious questions to answer about the circumstances in which a court overturned the Prison Service’s decision that this life prisoner was not suitable for compassionate temporary release.
“The Justice Minister has confirmed that Anderson was subsequently released with only a civilian chaperone. He had been convicted of a violent murder just three years ago and has now absconded, despite the serious concerns that had led the Prison Service to oppose his release.”
The UUP leader said scrutiny should now focus not only on why the original Prison Service decision was overturned, but also on how authorities responded to the court ruling.
Questions over possible appeal
Mr Burrows said:
“We urgently need to know why the Prison Service’s original decision was overturned and whether lessons must be learned to ensure future decisions are legally robust and capable of withstanding challenge.
“We also need a clear answer on whether the Prison Service sought to appeal the court’s ruling within the statutory time limit. If it did not, the Minister must explain why not.”
The circumstances of the court decision, including the court’s reasoning, should become clearer when the judgment is available. Mr Burrows said he intends to examine it closely.
“I will examine the judgment carefully when it is available, but this is plainly a matter of serious public interest and public protection. There must be full accountability across the justice system for what happened and meaningful learning from it.”
Call for full account to Assembly
Mr Burrows has called on the Justice Minister to provide MLAs with a detailed account of the decisions that resulted in Anderson’s release, including the supervision arrangements put in place.
He said:
“The Justice Minister must treat this case with the utmost seriousness and return to the Assembly with a full account of the decisions taken, the supervision arrangements imposed and firm assurances that every possible step will be taken to prevent anything like this happening again.”
Meanwhile, the police appeal to locate Anderson remains active. He is described as approximately 5ft 11ins tall, of slim build and with brown hair.
Police have warned anyone who sees Anderson or knows where he is not to approach him directly. Information should be provided to police on 101, quoting reference 555 of 14/09/26, or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
