Marian Price

House of Lords written question – answered at on 19 December 2012.

Alert me about debates like this

Photo of Lord Hylton Lord Hylton Crossbench

To ask Her Majesty's Government why Marian Price has been detained in Northern Ireland since 16 May 2011; whether they will release her on the grounds of her age and health; and what evidence they are able to locate regarding the royal prerogative of mercy granted her in 1980.

Photo of Baroness Randerson Baroness Randerson Lords Spokesperson (Northern Ireland Office), The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Wales

In 1973, Mrs McGlinchey (née Price) was found guilty of causing an explosion and conspiracy to cause an explosion. She was given two life sentences and a separate 20-year sentence for these two offences.

In 1980, due to her ill health she was released early from prison. She was released from the two life sentences by means of a life licence. The royal prerogative of mercy (RPM) was awarded to release her from her separate 20-year sentence.

In May 2011, Mrs McGlinchey's life licence was revoked by the former Secretary of State for Northern Ireland after a recommendation from the independent Parole Commissioners for Northern Ireland (PCNI) based on information which set out the risk that she posed to the public. The independent Parole Commissioners are currently undertaking a full review of the case made against Mrs McGlinchey, following their initial recommendation. The full hearing, at which Mrs McGlinchey will have full legal representation, is due to take place early next year.

Consideration of release on compassionate grounds, justified by exceptional circumstances, is a devolved matter for the Minister of Justice for Northern Ireland. If protected information is involved, the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland may notify the Department of Justice that a life prisoner is not to be released on compassionate grounds without the Secretary of State's agreement. The Secretary of State cannot direct release.

The RPM did not apply to the two life sentences which were revoked and that are currently being reviewed by PCNI.

Does this answer the above question?

Yes0 people think so

No0 people think not

Would you like to ask a question like this yourself? Use our Freedom of Information site.