09/03/2018
Appeal Against Loyalist Supergrass To Go-Ahead
An appeal against the prison sentence imposed on loyalist super grass Gary Haggarty is to go-ahead.
Last month the Public Prosecution Service said it was appealing his six-and-a-half-year sentence as it was unduly lenient.
However, Haggarty's lawyers reportedly missed a deadline for appeal by 25 minutes.
SDLP Assembly Member John Dallat welcomed the decision by three Court of Appeal judges.
He said: "I sat in Court 13 with the relatives of those who had family members murdered by the notorious UVF death gang headed by Haggarty. Their frustration and pain following the sentencing is indescribably.
"After committing the most heinous crimes, it felt like he was given a 'get-out-of-jail-free card'.
"After speaking with the families of those murdered by Haggarty and his criminal gang, I wrote to the Director of Public Prosecutions urging his office to appeal the decision on the grounds that it was horrendously lenient and caused immense hurt to those who lost the most.
"I am pleased that the Court of Appeal will now move to hear the case in spite of a vexatious attempt to have it thrown out."
(CD)
Last month the Public Prosecution Service said it was appealing his six-and-a-half-year sentence as it was unduly lenient.
However, Haggarty's lawyers reportedly missed a deadline for appeal by 25 minutes.
SDLP Assembly Member John Dallat welcomed the decision by three Court of Appeal judges.
He said: "I sat in Court 13 with the relatives of those who had family members murdered by the notorious UVF death gang headed by Haggarty. Their frustration and pain following the sentencing is indescribably.
"After committing the most heinous crimes, it felt like he was given a 'get-out-of-jail-free card'.
"After speaking with the families of those murdered by Haggarty and his criminal gang, I wrote to the Director of Public Prosecutions urging his office to appeal the decision on the grounds that it was horrendously lenient and caused immense hurt to those who lost the most.
"I am pleased that the Court of Appeal will now move to hear the case in spite of a vexatious attempt to have it thrown out."
(CD)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
21 March 2024
Call For Education On Violence Against Women And Girls
The Education Minister, Paul Givan, has been challenged by the SDLP on the proposed introduction of mandatory education around violence against women and girls in schools.
Call For Education On Violence Against Women And Girls
The Education Minister, Paul Givan, has been challenged by the SDLP on the proposed introduction of mandatory education around violence against women and girls in schools.
24 January 2024
SDLP Proposes Amendment To Executive Formation Bill
The SDLP has said that it will seek to amend proposed legislation extending the deadline for the formation of an Executive after the previous deadline passed last week.
SDLP Proposes Amendment To Executive Formation Bill
The SDLP has said that it will seek to amend proposed legislation extending the deadline for the formation of an Executive after the previous deadline passed last week.
07 February 2024
Executive To Present 'United Case For Fair And Just Settlement'
The Executive will take a united case for a fair and just settlement for public sector workers and public services to Westminster, First Minister Michelle O'Neill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly have said.
Executive To Present 'United Case For Fair And Just Settlement'
The Executive will take a united case for a fair and just settlement for public sector workers and public services to Westminster, First Minister Michelle O'Neill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly have said.
27 March 2024
Infrastructure Minister Holds Meeting With Disability Action
Infrastructure Minister, John O'Dowd, has met with representatives of Disability Action to discuss issues of accessibility and inclusion in transport and travel.
Infrastructure Minister Holds Meeting With Disability Action
Infrastructure Minister, John O'Dowd, has met with representatives of Disability Action to discuss issues of accessibility and inclusion in transport and travel.
25 March 2024
Easter Travellers Urged To 'Plan Ahead For Smoother Travel
Ahead of the Easter weekend, the Consumer Council has urged those travelling over the break to "plan ahead for smoother travel". Richard Williams, Head of Transport Policy emphasised the importance of making a travel checklist to save you time and money.
Easter Travellers Urged To 'Plan Ahead For Smoother Travel
Ahead of the Easter weekend, the Consumer Council has urged those travelling over the break to "plan ahead for smoother travel". Richard Williams, Head of Transport Policy emphasised the importance of making a travel checklist to save you time and money.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Cloudy with further outbreaks of rain this morning, heavy at times, especially over north Antrim. Becoming drier and brighter this afternoon with sunny spells and a few showers. Winds becoming light. Maximum temperature 9 °C.Tonight:Further showers this evening, some heavy, especially in the east, dying out early tonight. Then mainly dry with clear periods developing, leading to a touch of frost and icy patches. Minimum temperature -1 °C.