Loyalist killer faces return to jail

A convicted loyalist murderer, released early under the Good Friday Agreement, was tonight facing the prospect of serving out eight life sentences for his involvement in a 1993 atrocity, after being convicted of taking part in a knife attack at a football match.

Stephen Irwin, 32, from Woodvale Road in Belfast, was jailed last week for four years for slashing a football supporter with a knife during trouble at last year’s Irish Cup Final.

However, it was confirmed tonight the loyalist, who was convicted along with three other Ulster Freedom Fighters members for taking part in a Halloween gun attack on the Rising Sun bar in Greysteel, Co Derry in 1993, had also had his early release licence suspended following his latest conviction.

It is understood Irwin could appeal.

However, the move tonight to make him serve out the eight life sentences he received for the 1993 atrocity, which resulted in eight people being shot dead, was welcomed by nationalist SDLP Assembly member John Dallat.

“I am concerned that he can still apply for early release but, given the notoriety of his crimes, the life sentencing review board should not change their decision,” the East Derry Assembly member said.

“I hope the families of the innocent victims he killed will find some comfort knowing this man will live the rest of his days behind bars. My thoughts are with them this evening.”