‘Illogical’ to move MacArthur to open jail

TRANSFERRING killer Malcolm MacArthur to an open prison would be illogical unless other elements of the pre-release programme are put in place, according to a prison reform group.

Junior Justice Minister Willie O’Dea is ready to make a decision on MacArthur, who has spent more than 20 years behind bars for the murder of nurse Bridie Gargan in 1982. The minister is expected to rubber stamp a parole board recommendation to transfer the murderer to Shelton Abbey but block elements of a pre-release programme, such as day or temporary release or outings.

Minister O’Dea received the file within the last week after Cabinet approval was given to allow a decision on the parole board recommendations. The Department of Justice said he was studying the file but would not make a general announcement of his decision.