Michael Halleron

The Parole Commissioner of Northern Ireland had earlier issued guidance that all parole hearings at prisons and at Shannon Clinic would be postponed until further notice.

However, Belfast-based Madden & Finucane Solicitors wrote to the Chief Commissioner on behalf of a client with an upcoming parole hearing and secured agreement for the hearing to go ahead this week using video “live link” technology.

Solicitor Michael Halleron, representing the applicant in this case, said: “This case will very much be a ‘test case’, the first of its kind under the Coronavirus Act 2020 provisions.

“It will assist the Commissioners in determining whether or not parole hearings can re-commence during this time.

“Whilst the decision to stop parole hearings was made in light of the public health crisis associated with COVID-19, we as lawyers representing prisoners must ensure that despite these uncontrollable impediments, the parole process continues to function as normally and fairly as possible.

“Especially in circumstances where prisoners who ought to be released on parole, could end up being left in custody until this crisis ends.”