Murderer back in custody after absconding on temporary release

Christopher Kerr (32) is serving life for the murder of schoolboy Michael McIlveen (15)

The PSNI had warned that Christopher Kerr was dangerous.
The PSNI had warned that Christopher Kerr was dangerous.

A man serving a life sentence for the murder of a Catholic schoolboy has been arrested after he absconded from custody.

The PSNI warned that Christopher Kerr, who murdered Michael McIlveen (15) in Ballymena in 2006, was dangerous.

He was detained in the Antrim area.

Michael McIlveen died from brain injuries the day after he and two friends were attacked.

Kerr (32) was in Belfast city centre on accompanied temporary release on Thursday when he absconded, police said.

A spokesman for the Northern Ireland Prison Service said: “The prison service will investigate the circumstances of today’s abscondment from accompanied temporary release.” - PA

  • Join The Irish Times on WhatsApp and stay up to date

  • Sign up for push alerts to get the best breaking news, analysis and comment delivered directly to your phone

  • Listen to In The News podcast daily for a deep dive on the stories that matter