13/06/2007

Kenneway funeral postponed for second examination

The funeral of an INLA man who was involved in the murder of a top Loyalist in Northern Ireland will be postponed while a second post mortem examination is carried out.

Brian Kenneway, 44, was found dead in his prison cell at Maghaberry Prison last Friday. The father-of-five's funeral will now take place on Thursday.

He was a member of an INLA gang that murdered LVF leader Billy Wright in the Maze Prison in 1997.

It is believed Kenneway committed suicide. However, the family's solicitor Kevin Winters said they still have concerns about how he died.

"The family wants peace of mind, knowing they have done everything before he goes to the grave. Central to that would be getting another post mortem," he told PA News.

It is understood a retired pathologist for Northern Ireland, Derek Carson, has agreed to carry out the examination.

Kenneway had been serving a 25-year sentence for conspiracy to murder and firearms offences at the time of the Wright murder, but was freed in 2000 as part of the early release scheme linked to the Good Friday Agreement.

However, he had been sent back to prison in February because he was considered a danger.

He was found dead in his cell after being refused compassionate leave to attend the christening of his grandchild.

(JM/KMcA)

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