“The Ulster Unionist Party’s Justice spokesperson, Doug Beattie MLA, has welcomed today’s Assembly vote in favour of the party’s motion to review bail policy in cases of terrorism and murder.
Doug Beattie MC said:
"Today the Assembly passed an Ulster Unionist motion which called for a Review of Bail Policy in cases of terrorism and murder.
“We brought this motion forward due to concerns at how bail has been awarded in suspected terrorist cases, and in particular the case of Damian McLaughlin who was charged with offences relating to the murder of David Black and who has subsequently absconded.
“The Ulster Unionist Party believes that there needs to be a presumption in favour of protecting life. People charged with terrorist offences are clearly suspected of posing a threat to at least some section of our society.
“Safety considerations should therefore be paramount in such cases and bail should only be granted in very exceptional circumstances. There is no excuse for endangering the public or security forces by releasing potentially dangerous suspected terrorists back on to the streets, nor do lenient bail conditions or eventual sentences act as a deterrent to others.
“Following the passing of our motion, the Justice Minister must now take action to ensure that bail policy and sentencing are reviewed in order to reflect the seriousness with which the Assembly and society view cases involving terrorism and/or murder.”
Mid Ulster MLA Sandra Overend said:
“The murder of Prison Officer David Black shocked all of Northern Ireland, but it was particularly felt in Cookstown. There was deep anger that a man charged in connection with this case should be able to abscond. Having failed to sign in with police on 18 November 2016, it was not until 23 December when police called at his bail address that they found the flat had been cleared out, and, in fact, evidence suggested he had been gone a few weeks by that stage. The accused was supposed to check in at a police station five times a week, yet his absence went un-noticed for many weeks.
“Unfortunately, those responsible for this inexcusable situation have demonstrated a total lack of respect towards the family of the late David Black.
“I am regularly in contact with the Black family, and I know they feel - as Kyle Black said publicly recently - "Let down, hurt and betrayed by the justice system."
“My thoughts are with the Black family, who have been put into the public eye once again due to the failings of the judicial system, the very system in which David served so faithfully.
“This situation can never be allowed to happen again. I hope that in passing today’s motion, the Assembly prompts action from the Justice Minister to bring about the changes needed.”