Freedom offer for Guerin murder suspect

One of the chief suspects in the murder of Veronica Guerin, who was jailed for drugs offences, has been offered temporary release from prison, it emerged today.

Patrick Holland has been given the chance to leave the high security Portlaoise Prison, Co Laois, where he has served seven years, to visit a special unit in Dublin to prepare for freedom.

The move comes four days after the 66-year-old career criminal known as “Dutchy” petitioned President Mary McAleese to have the remaining eight months of his sentence remitted.

Legal representative Giovanni di Stefano said Holland deserved the chance to reintegrate into society.

“He has been offered by the Governor of Portlaoise Prison temporary release to the training unit in Dublin allowing him the freedom to reintegrate within society,” the London-based lawyer revealed.

“I see this as a positive development in the manner upon which the Minister of Justice has finally taken notice of the facts surrounding the conviction of Mr Holland and perhaps, it is hoped, the use of the Special Criminal Court.

“This offer shows a willingness on then part of the Irish Government to recognise the possibility of having erred and trying as best as possible to right a wrong.”

Holland was jailed for 20 years at the Special Criminal Court in Dublin in November 1997 for possession of cannabis. On appeal the sentence was reduced to 12 years.

In a sensational twist during Holland’s trial a police officer told the court she believed he had gunned down Veronica Guerin as she sat at the wheel of her car on the Naas Road on the outskirts of Dublin.

But now after serving seven years in Portlaoise, home to some of the country’s most ruthless gangsters, Holland has called on President McAleese to cancel the last eight months of his sentence. He is due for release in April 2006.

His legal team have outlined what they believe are a series of irregularities in the conviction. They also claim Holland’s sentence was too severe and have highlighted his good behaviour during his seven years in jail.