Anger as one in four killed by offenders out on bail

JUSTICE Minister Michael McDowell has agreed to conduct research into bail practices following the disclosure that a quarter of people who met violent deaths last year were killed by offenders out on bail at the time.

Families of victims yesterday said that 15 of the 60 people who died in violent circumstances in 2005 were killed by people on bail.

The Advocates of the Victims of Homicide (Advic) group met Mr McDowell yesterday to call for stronger bail laws.