Courts / Cavan / Report
Keg bomb prisoner seeks early release
Summary
William Burns, held at Loughan House Open Centre in Co Cavan, has challenged the Minister for Justice's refusal to grant him enhanced remission from his prison sentence. Burns was convicted by the Special Criminal Court in 2016 of unlawfully possessing explosive substances, including PETN, RDX, and ammonium nitrate, along with an adapted Guinness keg and detonation equipment discovered at Kilcurry Church, Co Louth in May 2014. He received a seven-year sentence with the final three years suspended. The Minister declined Burns's application for one-third remission in April, citing the gravity of the offence, despite acknowledging his constructive engagement in prison activities. Burns's legal representatives argue the refusal is flawed and breaches his constitutional and human rights protections. They contend the Minister failed to consider his reintegration prospects and provide adequate reasoning. Burns would be released immediately under enhanced remission; otherwise, his scheduled release is June. The High Court granted permission for the challenge to proceed, with the matter returning before the court later that week. William Burns pleaded guilty.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Keg bomb prisoner seeks early release. Charges or matters: the unlawful possession of the explosive substances PETN and RDX, an adapted 50-litre beer keg, 50 kg of ammonium nitrate homemade explosive, an improvised detonation cord, an improvised steel booster tube and an improvised time and power unit at Kilcurry Church, Co Louth on May 25th, 2014. Procedural stage: sentence. Findings: Convicted
When:
- May 25th, 2014 Incident
- 2019-05-27 Publication
Why: Counsel said the Minister's decision is flawed because of a failure to consider whether his client was better able to reintegrate into the community. CNI source report
Case subjects
Applicant
Charges: the unlawful possession of the explosive substances PETN and RDX, an adapted 50-litre beer keg, 50 kg of ammonium nitrate homemade explosive, an improvised detonation cord, an improvised steel booster tube and an improvised time and power unit at Kilcurry Church, Co Louth on May 25th, 2014 (Proven)
Plea: Guilty
Finding: Convicted
Outcome: Convicted; He applied for enhanced remission of one-third off his sentence for good behaviour, compared to the normal one-quarter remission usually given to prisoners.
Places mentioned
Topics
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