The Ulster Unionist Party’s Justice spokesperson Tom Elliott MLA has raised a number of questions with the Justice Minister David Ford following speculation that the convicted drug smuggler Michaela McCollum may have her request granted to transfer from a Peruvian jail to serve her sentence in one in the United Kingdom, most likely in Northern Ireland.
Mr Elliott said:
“While I have sympathy for the immediate family of Ms McCollum we must not forget that she has admitted and been convicted of very serious charges.
“I understand that the Republic’s Government has been making representations given that she was travelling on an Irish passport, but if she is returned to the United Kingdom to serve her sentence, it will be the UK taxpayer who will in all likelihood, have the expense of accommodating her.
“I have written to David Ford and asked him to provide an early response to a number of questions relating to any proposal to transfer Michaela McCollum from a jail in Peru to one in the UK.
“I have asked David Ford if this process has been discussed with him and if he would support such a proposal.
“I also asked him what remission the convict would be entitled to should the prison move take place, just who will be responsible for the financial burden of the jail term and what, if any, contribution would be required from the Peruvian authorities?”