Prisoners: Home Leave

Question

Asked by

Lord Maginnis of Drumglass
To ask Her Majesty's Government why Daniel Hargan, who was sentenced to seven years' custody in September 2008 by Belfast Crown Court for manslaughter, was given home leave after serving 18 months of his sentence. [HL3166]

Baroness Royall of Blaisdon
It is not the case that Mr Hargan was given home leave after serving 18 months of his sentence. Prior to the introduction of the Criminal Justice Order 2008 the legislation pertaining to Northern Ireland stated that 50 per cent remission applied to all determinate sentences. He became entitled to apply for home leave in his last six months of sentence. The timing of his eligibility for that was a consequence of the remission applied and the relevant period served in custody on remand. His application was approved by the Home Leave Board.