Man jailed for murder of garda in 1985 eligible for early release

The Supreme Court said a man serving a 40-year sentence for murdering a garda is eligible for early release.

Noel Callan was originally sentenced to death for the capital murder of Sergeant Patrick Morrissey during a raid in Tallanstown, Co. Louth in 1985.

The Special Criminal Court imposed the death sentence on the then 22-year-old, but that was commuted to 40 years penal servitude.

The Supreme Court unanimously ruled Noel Callan can be considered for remission and after 27 years in jail that means he is likely to be released within the next three years.