Mid Ulster MLA ‘disgusted’ at prisoner’s leave to request his release for GAA final

Mid Ulster MLA Ian McCrea has voiced his disgust after a convicted killer won the right to request 48 hours leave from prison over St Patrick’s weekend.
Seamus Kearney leaving Derry Courthouse on bail after being charged with the 1981 murder of RUC reserve constable John ProctorSeamus Kearney leaving Derry Courthouse on bail after being charged with the 1981 murder of RUC reserve constable John Proctor
Seamus Kearney leaving Derry Courthouse on bail after being charged with the 1981 murder of RUC reserve constable John Proctor

Seamus Kearney’s can now challenge his temporary release arrangements, so he can see his GAA team play in an All-Ireland final and spend some time with his partner.

The 58-year-old was jailed for 20 years in 2013 for the murder of 25-year-old reserve police officer John Proctor, who had just been to see his wife and child at the Mid Ulster Hospital.

He will serve two years for the crime under the Good Friday Agreement.

DUP MLA Ian McCrea said: “I was completely disgusted to hear that Seamus Kearney had won the legal right to challenge his temporary release arrangements to allow him to get out of prison for 48 hours to watch his local GAA team play an All-Ireland final.

“What planet does Seamus Kearney live on, does he not realise that when you are convicted of such a heinous crime as the murder of John Proctor in 1981, a 25-year-old RUC Reserve Constable, was shot dead a few minutes after going to see his wife and new born child at the Mid Ulster Hospital, you must do your time.

“Sadly as an outcome of the Belfast Agreement, Seamus Kearney will only serve a maximum of two years which is nothing in comparison to a life without a father and husband and this attempt by Kearney is nothing other than a slap on the face to the Proctor family.

“I hope that when this case is heard in Court on Friday, that justice and common sense will prevail.”

Related topics: