Legal challenge to be mounted against imprisonment of Derry republican

The legal representatives of a Derry republican are to mount a legal challenge against his prison licence being revoked.

Carlin Solicitors have been instructed to challenge by way of Judicial Review the lawfulness, necessity and proportionality of the NIO decision to recall Tony Taylor to prison.

The legal firm said: “In 2014 he pleaded guilty to possessing a rifle with intent to endanger life. Tony Taylor was sentenced to seven years, with three years to be spent in custody and four on licence after his release.

“He was recalled to prison on Thursday evening, 10th March 2016. Tony Taylor was taken by police straight to HMP Maghaberry.

Aiden Carlin Solicitor commented: “It is argued this is a case of internment in all but name. Our instructions are that since his release from prison one and a half years ago Tony Taylor has positively contributed to local politics in Derry City by peacefully raising benefit cuts, prison conditions and policing issues. He has not been charged with any offence.”We have initiated Judicial Review proceedings today on behalf of our client to challenge the lawfulness, necessity and proportionality of the NIO decision to recall Tony Taylor to prison.”