by Andrew Carey
andrew@limerickpost.ie
THE SON of a murdered Limerick gangland boss should have been granted early release from prison, according to a High Court Judicial Review delivered this week.
Edward Ryan Junior (31) of College Avenue, Moyross, Limerick, was given a six-year sentence in July 2010 after pleading guilty to possession of a Browning semi-automatic pistol and 15 rounds of 9mm ammunition. It was his first conviction.
The weapon and ammunition were seized when Gardaí stopped and searched a car at Ballyneety on the outskirts of Limerick city in May 2010.
After he was refused early release, Ryan launched a High Court challenge against the decision of the then Minister for Justice Alan Shatter’s refusal to grant him one-third remission from his sentence.
His lawyers argued that he was entitled to the early release due to his good behaviour and the fact that he availed of all structured activities and courses available to him in the prison.
They won the appeal and Ryan was released.
However the State challenged the decision to the Supreme Court where it was found that Ryan was unlawfully at large because the terms of the application brought to the High Court were incorrect.
Eddie Ryan presented himself to Mayorstone Garda Station and he was taken back to the Midlands Prison.
His lawyers again challenged the decision and sought a judicial review.
Earlier this week, the review determined that former Minister Shatter erred in his decision not to grant Ryan early release, despite the fact that the Supreme Court ruling still holds authority. The current Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald will now consider the ruling.
As matters stand, Eddie Ryan is due for release on November 24.
