Michael McHugh loses High Court action over Garda murder

This report is a localnews.ie summary based on public court reporting and records; sources are listed below.

Michael McHugh lost a High Court action seeking release after his conviction for murdering Garda Sergeant Patrick Morrissey, reported on 20 October 2015. The murder followed an armed robbery in County Louth in 1985.

Mr Justice Paul McDermott dismissed McHugh’s case, finding the court could not compel the Minister for Justice to commute or remit his sentence. The judge said the Minister could consider credit for five months spent in custody before trial, but was not required to grant it.

McHugh had argued that remission and credit for pre-trial custody meant he was entitled to immediate release. He was due for release in December, while a separate related action remained pending.