Probe chief: Border Fox 'entitled to be released'

The man who led the investigation into the abduction of Dublin dentist John O’Grady today said Dessie O’Hare - the Border Fox - was entitled to be released from jail.

Former Garda Chief Superintendent Bill Herlihy said he believed he had served a long enough sentence for his crime.

“I think everybody is entitled to a chance and he has been in custody now since 1988,” Mr Herlihy said.

“It is probably longer than anybody else who has committed even more serious crimes, because let’s face it, he did not kill anyone.

“I think he is entitled to be freed at this stage.”

Mr Herlihy said he was satisfied proper assessment of O’Hare had been carried out by the relevant authorities.

“They are the professionals in this field and if they make a decision that he should be released I would certainly accept that.”

No date has been set for O’Hare to be freed after his transfer from the high security Portlaoise prison, although the Release of Prisoners Commission has recommended that he is eligible under the Good Friday Agreement.