Ulster Unionist MP, Tom Elliott has raised concerns with the UK Justice Minister, regarding the absconding from bail of a suspect charged with offences linked to the murder of Prison Officer David Black.
Mr Elliott was speaking in the House of Commons during questions to the Secretary of State for Justice.
The Fermanagh & South Tyrone MP said:
“It is absolutely scandalous that a suspect linked to such a serious offence as the murder of a Prison Officer, has not been seen by police since last November.
“Given that the suspect was previously convicted of terrorist offences, it makes it all the more shocking. I still fail to understand the reasoning for such relaxed bail conditions and the inaction of the PSNI at an early stage.
“This incident has caused undue hurt and stress to the Black family, the fact that someone accused of aiding and abetting their loved one’s murder is allowed to go unseen by the police for such a long period of time, despite having to sign bail 5 times a week, is of serious concern.
“Today, I used the opportunity to raise the issue with the Under-Secretary for Justice, Sam Gyimah, and encouraged him to take the matter further with his counterpart in Northern Ireland.
“While he was not aware of the case, I was encouraged that he agreed to discuss the matter with me at a later date.
“It is vital that lessons are learned from this fiasco, and it must never be repeated.”
ENDS