The decision to release loyalist killer Torrens Knight from prison is an affront to democracy which has sent shockwaves through society, a Northern Ireland Assemblyman said today.

One of the North's most ruthless loyalist paramilitary assassins, who was freed from jail under the terms of the Good Friday peace agreement, was sentenced to four months today for beating up two sisters.

Notorious loyalist killer Torrens Knight was tonight arrested in the North and his release from prison suspended, Northern Ireland Prison Service said.