Northern Ireland launches independent review into how convicted killer Gary Anderson was freed and then fled across the border

From the Newshound archive · first published 1 October 2026 · last updated 2 October 2026.

Phil Copple, formerly a director general of operations at HM Prison and Probation Service, has been named to head an independent review after Gary Anderson, 29, went on the run following compassionate temporary release and evaded capture for more than a week. Anderson was convicted of murdering Karol Kelly in Londonderry and sentenced to life imprisonment in 2023; he had been permitted out to attend his father's funeral but instead fled across the Irish border. An Garda Síochána arrested him at a property in County Donegal on 23 September.

Justice Minister Naomi Long faced sharp political criticism and denials that she misled the Assembly over the handling of Anderson's release.

Kelly's family told Long they felt 'let down' by the justice system — she met them last week and acknowledged it had been a 'deeply distressing time'.

The review will examine the full circumstances of the temporary release decision and make recommendations to prevent victims being 'retraumatised' in future.