Man who killed partner seeks transfer to UK prison

An English man jailed for the killing of his former partner has brought a challenge against the Minister for Justice's refusal to allow him transfer to a prison in the UK.

Clive Butcher, with an address at Ranelagh Road, Dublin, was jailed in 2010 for six and a half years after a jury found him guilty of the manslaughter but not guilty of murdering his former partner Rebecca Hoban by a 10-2 majority.

Today the High Court heard that Butcher (aged 47) applied to the Minister for Justice for a transfer to the UK, under provisions of the Council of Europe Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Prisoners, because his 87-year-old mother is very ill and unable to visit him.

However earlier this year that application was refused. The Minister's refusal was based on the seriousness of the crime and the amount of time he would spent in a UK prison if transferred.

However lawyers for Butcher claims the Ministers decision flies in the face of the scheme and fails to respect the jury's verdict. The decision it is argues also runs contrary to the public interest and overcrowding in prisons.

Kieran Kelly BL said that it is Butcher's case that the Minister has failed to take his family circumstances and rights into account. Counsel said his cleint fulfills all the criteria required for a transfer and wants the court to quash the Minister's decision.

Leave to bring the challenge was granted by Mr Justice Michael Peart.