Courts / Louth / Report
Real IRA leader Michael McKevitt appeals High Court decision refusing him early release
Summary
Michael McKevitt, 66, a former Real IRA leader, was sentenced to 20 years in 2003 by the Special Criminal Court for directing terrorism and membership of an illegal organisation. His sentence, back‑dated to 2001, is set to be reduced by the normal one‑quarter remission, with release expected in July 2016. McKevitt applied for an additional 8 % remission, arguing that participation in structured prison activities such as art, drama, French, home economics and yoga entitled him to a one‑third remission. The High Court refused this request, stating the Minister for Justice could only consider whether the prisoner had completed authorised activities and had shown good conduct. McKevitt has now appealed that decision to the Court of Appeal, where counsel argues that the High Court's rulings were inconsistent and that the Minister's discretion was improperly limited. The Court of Appeal will decide the appeal shortly.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Real IRA leader Michael McKevitt appeals High Court decision refusing him early release. Procedural stage: appeal
When:
- July 2016 Other
- August 14 Other
- 2015-05-07 Publication
Why: Because the scheme was constructed the way it was constructed, he said, the Minister was left with an extremely narrow ambit of consideration. CNI source report
Case subjects
Convicted Person
Outcome: McKevitt had applied for a further 8% off his sentence arguing that his participation in structured prison activities, such as art, drama, French, home economics and yoga classes, meant he was entitled to one-third remission rather than the one-quarter generally afforded to prisoners.
Places mentioned
- High Court
- Special Criminal Court
- The High Court
- Court of Appeal
- Portlaoise
- Portlaoise Prison
Topics
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