Courts / Louth / Report
Dissident republican leader McKevitt not entitled to early release
Summary
Michael McKevitt, a 65‑year‑old former dissident republican leader serving a 20‑year sentence for directing terrorism, lost a High Court case seeking early release on the basis of his participation in structured prison activities. He argued that courses in computing, speech, drama, art, French, yoga and an Open University creative writing course entitled him to a one‑third remission and immediate release. The Minister for Justice was allowed to refuse remission, citing the risk of re‑offending and Garda submissions that McKevitt would re‑engage in senior dissident activity upon release. Judge Peter Kelly upheld the Minister's decision, noting that engagement in authorised activities does not automatically reduce the likelihood of re‑offending and that the Minister had ample material to refuse remission. McKevitt's scheduled release remains July 2016, based on the normal one‑quarter remission.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Dissident republican leader McKevitt not entitled to early release. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- July 2016 Other
- 2014-12-09 Publication
Why: He argued he is entitled one third remission because he has participated in structured prison activities including courses in computing, speech and drama, art, French, yoga, and an Open University course in creative writing during his incarceration at Portlaoise Prison. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Outcome: Michael McKevitt, who is serving a 20-year prison sentence for directing terrorism, has lost his High Court action aimed at securing his early release. McKevitt argued his participation in structured prison activities, including yoga classes, meant he was entitled to enhanced remission of his sentence and he should be released immediately.
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