Limerick Fianna Fáil TD Willie O’Dea has asked the Taoiseach to intervene regarding the case of convicted murderer Logan Jackson seeking to be extradited to the UK.
Jackson was given a mandatory life sentence only five months ago for the murder of Limerick boxer Kevin Sheehy.
Speaking to the Limerick Post, Deputy O’Dea said: “I told the Taoiseach that Kevin’s family are understandably traumatised at the prospect of Logan Jackson being extradited, as they believe this murderer committed this heinous crime in Ireland and therefore should serve out his sentence in an Irish prison.”
“Just four months ago, an English career criminal, Logan Jackson, was sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of a young man in Limerick. That young man had an outstanding sporting background and had a great future ahead of him,” Deputy O’Dea told the Taoiseach in the Dáil this Tuesday.
“It now transpires Mr Jackson has sought permission to be relocated to the United Kingdom to serve the balance of his sentence. The family of the victim are traumatised and scandalised by this development, and the very thought this request could be acceded to, when the guy is only four months into his sentence. Their outrage is shared by thousands of people throughout the Limerick region who have signed a petition to that effect.
“I ask and implore the Taoiseach to speak to the Minister for Justice, Deputy McEntee, to urge her to refuse this request. It is cruel and perverse to add to the suffering of a family that has already suffered so much. It is farcical that a benefit should be conferred on somebody who has committed a crime almost unparalleled in its viciousness and barbarism,” he added.
In his response, the Taoiseach committed to speaking to the Minister for Justice about the matter.
“I thank the Deputy for raising this issue. I am conscious of the trauma that can be imposed on a family in situations like this, where those who have murdered their loved ones can get what could be seen as preferential treatment in being moved or relocated four months after sentencing.
“I will talk to the Minister for Justice regarding this, because we have to bear in mind how families feel about these situations, and those relating to parole, especially those who have been victims of horrific crimes and whose loved ones have been taken from them in the most violent of manners,” the Taoiseach said.
