Following his conviction on two counts of assault and one of disorderly behaviour last Thursday the Secretary of State has suspended the ‘early’ release licence of Torrens Knight.

Mr Woodward said: “Arising from Torrens Knight’s conviction on two charges of assault and one of disorderly behaviour I have, following due consideration, suspended his ‘early’ release licence. His convictions last Thursday demonstrate that he has breached the terms of his life licence and that he presents a risk to the safety of others.

“I will not hesitate to act to suspend the licence of any prisoner who was released under the Sentences Act early release scheme, introduced following the signing of the Good Friday Agreement, if, by their actions, they prove they have become a danger to the public.

“My priority is public safety and in the interests of the community at large. I cannot permit freedom to any individual intent on abusing the opportunity they have been given to benefit from the early release scheme.”


Notes to Editors

1. Torrens Knight was released early from prison in July 2000 following successful application to the Sentence Review Commissioners for accelerated release under the provisions of the NI (Sentences) Act 1998. Life sentence prisoners in this category are released on licence on strict conditions that they should not:

• support a specified organisation;

• become concerned in the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism connected with the affairs of Northern Ireland; or

• become a danger to the public.


2. The Sentence Review Commissioners will now determine if the licence granted to Mr Knight in July 2000 should be revoked.

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