DHA responds to claims prisoner released for 'beach day'

Victims' families alleged Peter Newbery was allowed out of prison

The Department of Home Affairs has this evening responded to claims that a double-murderer had been allowed out for a 'beach day'.

It's after concerns were raised to Manx Radio from the families of Peter Newbery's victims that he had been allowed to leave the grounds of Jurby Prison.

They were allegedly informed that he had been allowed out of prison for a 'beach day' today (Friday 15 August) with 'a tag on'.

In a statement clarifying the position, the DHA says: "No prisoner attended any beach today. It is not usual procedure to take a prisoner on a beach visit in any event.

"Where a family is informed about developments in an offender’s rehabilitation process, they would not be given specific details relating to a prisoner’s movement."

Peter Newbery was denied parole for the second time in June.

In 2002 the abattoir worker killed 16-year-olds Samantha Barton and George Green.

A DHA spokesperson told Manx Radio: "The Department of Home Affairs cannot comment on individual cases.

"All prisoners are subject to a rehabilitation process which varies according to the nature of the crime and the length of sentence. 

"The Prison and Probation Service works closely with the police, forensic psychologists and the charity Victim Support during a rehabilitation process. Risk management underpins all work done with prisoners.

"The Department also ensures that support and information is offered, where appropriate, to those people affected by crime."