McKevitt released from prison to be with sick mother
Prison authorities released McKevitt after he applied for temporary release on hearing that his mother suffered a stroke and was fighting for her life. Gardaí were informed prior to his release and he is said to be under tight but discreet security.
As of late yesterday evening, he remained on temporary release from Portlaoise Prison.
“Compassionate or temporary release can be terminated or extended as circumstances dictate,” said a Prison Service spokesperson.
Prisoners are granted temporary release if it is considered there is little risk of them absconding. It is not usual for inmates on temporary released to be accompanied by prison officers.
Michael Gallagher, whose 21-year-old son, Adrian, died in the Omagh bombing, said: “We come from a culture where life is precious and the sick are treated with dignity.
“I hope that this man will reflect on how the organisation he was found guilty of leading was responsible for the death of 11 mothers in Omagh who did not have the opportunity to see their own children before their painful death.”
McKevitt is serving 20 years after being convicted of directing the activities of the Real IRA from August 1999, to late the following year. His conviction was based mainly on the testimony of FBI and British secret service agent David Rupert.
While in prison, he sided with a faction of the organisation that called for its members on the outside to cease activities. This move created a split within the organisation, particularly inside Portlaoise prison.
The 53-year-old and 11 other convicted Real IRA inmates are being held on the E2 and E3 wings of the prison, separate from a group of 11 who remain committed to continuing a campaign of violent opposition to the Good Friday Agreement. There are also about 10 prisoners remanded in custody on charges linked to Real IRA activity.
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
