Over 130 Inmates, Including Convicted Killer, Released for Christmas

More than 130 inmates are set to receive temporary release from prison over the Christmas period, including Brian Meehan, who was convicted for the murder of journalist Veronica Guerin. Meehan, who has served 26 years for this crime, will be allowed to leave for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. The Irish Prison Services (IPS) confirmed that all inmates receiving releases are from the country’s two open prisons: Shelton Abbey in County Wicklow and Lochlan House in Blacklion, County Cavan.

The Independent Probation Board has sanctioned the temporary releases, which include at least 20 long-term lifers. According to a prison source, decisions about early releases are entirely under the Board’s authority. “Even if we wanted to keep Meehan in, we have no say in the matter,” the source stated. The IPS emphasized that no prisoners from mainstream facilities will be released this Christmas, despite ongoing issues with overcrowding.

Inmates in open prisons are typically considered low-risk and are further along in their rehabilitation programs. Meehan has not spent Christmas with his family since his incarceration following Guerin’s shocking murder in July 1999. He was part of a two-person hit team that opened fire on Guerin while she was stopped at traffic lights on the Naas dual carriageway in June 1996. Meehan rode the motorcycle while notorious hitman Patrick “Dutchy” Holland fired the fatal shots. Holland passed away in prison 15 years later, serving time for other crimes.

Meehan had connections with gangster John Gilligan, who was found not guilty of Guerin’s murder despite having previously assaulted and threatened her. Reports indicate that Meehan has had little to no contact with Gilligan for years and is actively trying to maintain a clean record in hopes of future release. Irish prison sources suggest he may be eligible for full release in 2026, despite ongoing lobbying from Guerin’s family to keep him incarcerated.

The role of the Minister for Justice has diminished in influencing the Independent Probation Board’s decisions concerning early releases. As the Christmas season approaches, the implications of these releases are felt throughout the community, especially among victims’ families and advocates for justice.