NIO allow dissident repubilcan Martin Corey to return home

SIX months after he was free from prison, dissident republican prisoner Martin Corey has been allowed to return home.

He had been held for four years in jail without trial until his release in January this year on the orders of Secretary of State Theresa Villiers.

His release took place at 8 pm on Wednesday, January 15 from a back entrance at Maghaberry prison.

And part of his condition of his release is that he is banned from talking to the media.

He was ordered to reside in Co Tyrone during his release.

However, yesterday that order was rescinded and he was allowed to return to his home town of Lurgan.

Corey had been in custody since 2010 after former Secretary of State Shaun Woodward revoked his licence and recalled him following information passed to him by MI5.

A British Security Service file claimed that he posed a risk to the public and alleged he was involved with dissident republicans in Lurgan.

Corey, a member of Republican Sinn Fein, the political wing of the Continuity IRA, was jailed in 1973 for a double murder of two RUC officers.

He was released on licence in 1992 but recalled to Maghaberry however, he was never told the nature of the allegations against him.

His release in January came ahead of a challenge by his legal team in the European court over his detention.

A spokeswoman said: “The Northern Ireland Office confirms that the independent Parole Commissioners for Northern Ireland have issued their judgment in respect of Martin Corey.

“The Parole Commissioners have decided to release Martin Corey on a licence that is subject to conditions which are designed to manage the risk they assess him to pose.”

While Corey has been allowed home, it is understood the media ban on him and his lawyers remains in place.