Written question asked by Kevin McNamara (Labour) on Thursday, 7 December 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 21 December 2000. It was answered by Adam Ingram (Labour) on Thursday, 21 December 2000 on behalf of the Northern Ireland Office.

Northern Ireland Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what representations he received (a) in mitigation of the offences of and (b) seeking early release for Darren James Neill, Michael Magowan, Andrew Timothy Lea and Matthew Shane Butcher.

Answer: Mr. McNamara: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what representations he received (a) in mitigation of the offences of and (b) seeking early release for Darren James Neill, Michael Magowan, Andrew Timothy Lea and Matthew Shane Butcher. [142327] Mr. Ingram: I have received no representations in mitigation of the offences of these four individuals or seeking the early release of Darren James Neill and Michael Magowan. Andrew Timothy Lea and Matthew Shane Butcher did not receive a custodial sentence for their offence but were each fined £1,000. One representation was received from a Member of the Northern Ireland Assembly in relation to Mr. Neill, asking that everything possible be done to protect the prisoner from threats and abuse from other prisoners. As Mr. Neill and Mr. Magowan were not convicted for a qualifying offence under the terms of the Northern Ireland (Sentences) Act 1998, they do not qualify for early release under the Good Friday Agreement.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 360 c256-7W; 142327
Session: 2000-01
Subjects: Complaints Disciplinary proceedings Criminal proceedings Discipline Convictions Custodial treatment Evidence Northern Ireland Police Prisoners' release Sentencing Royal Ulster Constabulary
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk