SDLP East Derry MLA John Dallat has written to Secretary of State Shaun Woodward asking why loyalist UFF 'trick or treat' killer Torrens Knight is "still at large" following his conviction for a brutal attack on two sisters in Coleraine.
“In my letter I have told the Secretary of State that there are serious concerns for the safety of the girls and there are many questions being asked as to why Torrens Knight has not been taken back into custody,” said Mr. Dallat.
“Mr Woodward doe
sn’t need to be reminded that others who broke the terms of their early release were sent back to jail immediately. People, including a large section of the media, are asking why Torrens Knight is being treated differently and they expect answers.
“Public confidence is absolutely essential if people are to have faith in the judicial system and that is being undermined by the continual refusal of the Secretary of State to act.”
Knight served seven years in prison for his part in the murders of eight people at the Rising Sun bar and four workmen in Castlerock earlier the same year. He was released from prison under an early release licence in 2000.
However, a statement from the Prison Service said this was being reconsidered.
"The secretary of state is aware of the court judgement and is considering if there are implications in relation to his release on licence under the 1998 Sentences Act."
Knight will be sentenced for attacking the women in Coleraine next month.
