Lawyers for victim's family to challenge Michael Stone's release from prison

Q Radio News

Lawyers for one of Michael Stone’s victims are set to argue against his recently found freedom. 

A statement from McIvor Farrell Solicitors said: “We confirm that an emergency Judicial Review application has been issued on behalf of a victim’s relative of loyalist murderer Michael Stone, which seeks to challenge the lawfulness of the decision of the Parole Commissioners to release him from custody.  

“The case also seeks to challenge the lawfulness of the Rules governing hearings before the Parole Commissioners, in particular, the refusal of the Commissioners to provide reasons for their decision to release Michael Stone,  the refusal to provide any documents/information about the proceedings before them and the refusal to allow the relatives of his victims to participate in those proceedings.”

Mr Paul Farrell, Solicitor acting on behalf of the family of one of Stone’s victims, said in advance of Court that “this case is of huge importance not only to the victims of Michael Stone and their families but also it will have huge ramifications with regard to the future of Parole Hearings in Northern Ireland.”

The case will be argued at 9.30 on Thursday morning at Belfast High Court. 

Earlier this week the siblings of Thomas McErlean (20), who was killed in the Milltown attack, were unsuccessful in their challenge and Stone walked free.