Michael McKevitt must wait for decision on release from jail

Alleged Real IRA leader Michael McKevitt will have to wait until at least next week to hear if he will get out of jail early.

Judge Bernard Barton told Dublin's High Court he was reserving judgement on an application for remission until a separate case is heard in a higher court.

The Supreme Court is hearing an appeal about another prisoner who was let out of jail early under good behaviour rules.

Judge Barton said this ruling would deal with McKevitt’s claim to be let out.

McKevitt’s case has been put back until next Monday, August 25th.

Judge Barton also refused a bail application.

McKevitt was jailed for 20 years in August 2003, convicted of directing a terrorist organisation and being a member of the Real IRA.

The sentence, handed down by the non-jury Special Criminal Court, was backdated to 2001.

Lawyers for McKevitt argued he was entitled to remission, reduced imprisonment, of one third rather than the usual quarter.

But barrister Diarmaid McGuinness SC, representing the State, said the Minister had to determine the inmate’s likelihood of reoffending.

PA