On-the-run killer Gary Anderson detained by Irish police in Co Donegal

By Rebecca Black (Press Association)

On-the-run killer Gary Anderson has been arrested by Irish police in Co Donegal.

Anderson, 29, had been unlawfully at large for more than a week after absconding from temporary release to attend his father’s funeral in Londonderry.

He was sentenced to 15 years in prison in 2023 for the murder of Karol Kelly in Derry.

Stormont Justice Minister Naomi Long welcomed the development, and praised the Police Service of Northern Ireland and An Garda Síochána for their “swift and effective work in locating and apprehending him”.

However Ms Long’s critics, including Justice Committee chairman Paul Frew said questions remain for her department.

Father-of-five Mr Kelly died in Grafton Street in the city in the early hours of March 4 2018 following an altercation during which he was stabbed several times.

Anderson and his brother, Sean Anderson, were found guilty of the killing.

On Wednesday, the Police Service of Northern Ireland confirmed that Gary Anderson had been detained in the Republic of Ireland.

He was arrested by An Garda Síochána (AGS) in a property in the Buncrana area in County Donegal shortly before 2pm.

Detective Inspector Gareth Lavery said the PSNI is now now working with the relevant authorities in order to return Anderson to custody.

“I want to thank everyone who assisted with our inquiries since our public appeal last Monday,” he said.

“Our officers conducted extensive inquiries during this investigation to locate Gary Anderson, and we thank everyone for their help and co-operation.

“I also wish to thank AGS colleagues, in particular, who arrested Gary Anderson today and for all of their help with this investigation over the last week.

“PSNI is now working with relevant authorities in order to return Gary Anderson to custody, and we will provide an update in due course.”

In a statement Ms Long said her thoughts are with Mr Kelly’s family.

“I welcome the news that Gary Anderson has been arrested in the Republic of Ireland and I want to thank the Police Service of Northern Ireland and An Garda Síochána for their swift and effective work in locating and apprehending him,” she said.

“My thoughts remain with the family of Karol Kelly. They have endured a deeply distressing period, and I hope today’s development goes some way towards alleviating the anxiety and uncertainty they have experienced.

“I recognise that questions remain about the circumstances surrounding Mr Anderson’s compassionate temporary release and subsequent abscondment.

“Work is progressing to establish an independent review, and further details will be announced shortly.

“I look forward to meeting with the Kelly family later this week to listen to their concerns directly.”

Mr Frew hailed “good news” but said his thoughts remain with the Kelly family and all those impacted, adding: “questions remain for the Department of Justice that need answering”.

“Whilst questions remain around the management of prisoner releases, the public can at least be reassured that this dangerous criminal has been apprehended,” he said.

“This is a situation which never should have arisen, and this was made worse when the full facts only emerged following significant public pressure.

“The use of civilian chaperones remains one of the most significant issues, particularly when the prisoner involved has been convicted of a gruesome and violent crime.”

Foyle SDLP MP Colum Eastwood described Gary Anderson’s arrest as a welcome relief for Mr Kelly’s family who he said have been through a horrendous ordeal over the last week after he went on the run.

“My thoughts are with them today, along with all those who helped bring Gary Anderson to justice and will have no doubt been left feeling distressed and angry at his escape,” he said.

“Significant questions remain about the process around this and while I appreciate that the Justice Minister has already ordered an independent review into what happened, confidence has been damaged in the institutions involved.

“I credit the Gardaí for apprehending Anderson and the important thing is that he is now returned to prison to serve the remainder of his sentence and face any further legal consequences.

“I hope this provides comfort to the Kelly family who have conducted themselves with such dignity and should never have had to deal with this.”

UUP leader Jon Burrows added: “I commend the Police Service of Northern Ireland and An Garda Síochána for their joint work in locating and apprehending this dangerous fugitive.

“Anderson must now be returned to custody in Northern Ireland as swiftly as the legal process allows, and the authorities should pursue any further charges arising from his failure to return to prison.

“My thoughts are with the family of Karol Kelly, who have been put through further distress by this appalling episode.

“Anderson should never have been released into the care of a civilian chaperone.

“We need clear answers about the decisions taken by the Prison Service and the Departmental Solicitor’s Office.

“The failures that allowed this to happen must be fully examined, those responsible must be held accountable, and the lessons must be acted on so that it never happens again.”