A killer who escaped UK prison is on the run after being given day-release for father’s funeral

Gary Anderson was denied permission to attend his father's funeral but this was later quashed by the courts.

Gary Anderson who was then 25, was jailed alongside his brother Sean (24) for the murder of Karol Kelly in Derry, Northern Ireland.

Mr Kelly's brother Paul said in the aftermath that "five children were robbed of their childhood and memories with their daddy".

Murder victim Karol Kelly. Image credit: Family handout.

Paul Kelly said: "After five long emotionally draining years our family are ready to close down this horrible chapter in our lives - as a family, we have struggled with the public nature of [Karol's] death and now want to keep him in our hearts where he is safe, at peace and loved forever."

Mr Kelly died in Grafton Street in the city in the early hours of March 4th, 2018 after being stabbed several times.

The Stormont Justice Minister Naomi Long said she remains "deeply concerned" about the circumstances surrounding the temporary release of the convicted murderer.

The NI Prison Service (NIPS) initially refused Gary Anderson permission to attend his father's funeral but that decision was quashed by the courts.

He was released on Monday from Maghaberry Prison to attend the funeral but absconded and remains on the run.

The court service has now published the full 15 page judgement from the judicial review which details the refusal of Anderson's request taken by the duty governor at Maghaberry Prison.

A judge later found that that decision "was based upon inaccurate information which was material to the key issue of the potential risks posed by the applicant".

"The information which was considered was also materially disadvantageous to the applicant."

Gary Anderson. Image credit: PSNI

Mr Justice Rooney granted Anderson temporary release with a number of conditions attached after finding that the prison service's decision was "flawed" and took into account "irrelevant and incorrect factors". He added "the failure to secure and take account of the correct risk assessment is unlawful".