Murderer Unlawfully at Large After Failing To Return From Northern Ireland Day Release

Gary Anderson, 29, is unlawfully at large after failing to return to prison from resettlement day release in Northern Ireland, with police warning the convicted murderer was due back in custody on Monday, 14 September 2026 and urging him to hand himself in.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has launched an appeal for information. Officers said Anderson failed to return as required following day release and remains at large.

Anderson was convicted of murdering Karol Kelly, a 35-year-old father of five, in Derry in March 2018. He was given a life sentence in 2023, with a minimum term of 15 years set before he could be considered for release.

Police Appeal for Public Help

The PSNI has described Anderson as approximately 5ft 11in tall and of slim build, with brown hair. Officers have asked anyone who sees him not to approach him directly and instead contact police.

Anyone with information about his whereabouts is asked to contact the PSNI on 101, quoting reference 555 of 14/09/26. Information can also be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Gary Anderson and his brother, Sean, were convicted of murdering Mr Kelly on Grafton Street. At sentencing, trial judge Philip Babington imposed life sentences on both men. Sean Anderson was given a minimum term of 17 years and Gary Anderson a minimum term of 15 years before either could be considered for release.

The court heard that Mr Kelly died after a stab wound perforated his aorta, causing rapid death. The prosecution case was that most of the stab wounds, including the fatal injury, were inflicted by Sean Anderson while Mr Kelly was lying on the ground.

Court Hears of Break-In at Family Home Before Attack

Evidence at trial described events at the Anderson family home before the killing.

In the early hours of 4 March 2018, Mr Kelly and another man entered the property on Grafton Street. Police inquiries found that Mr Kelly had made a number of threats towards the brothers before the confrontation.

Gary Anderson lost part of two teeth during the assault. The other man who entered the property with Mr Kelly was arrested on suspicion of burglary with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. Witnesses also told police that Mr Kelly threatened to kill anyone who reported what had happened as he left the house.

Judge Warns Against Courtroom 'Circus'

At an earlier hearing at Derry Magistrates' Court in March 2018, the brothers had recently been charged. District judge Barney McElholm warned those in court against disruptive behaviour. He told them to 'bear in mind the dignity of the deceased' and added, 'we do not want this turning into a circus'.

During proceedings, a man carrying a large photograph of Mr Kelly was removed from the courtroom. Two other men were arrested for contempt of court after verbally abusing the defendants.

Both later apologised. Judge McElholm took no further action, saying the incident showed how 'crowd dynamics' could escalate when one person started and others followed.

The judge also granted a defence application to ban the media and social media from publishing photographs of the two defendants. The court heard that identification was an issue in the case.

Judge Brands Knife Attack 'Cowardly'

Judge Babington described the killing as a joint enterprise involving both brothers. He said Mr Kelly suffered multiple stab wounds, with several inflicted after he had fallen to the ground.

The judge acknowledged that the attack followed Mr Kelly's assault on the brothers at their home. However, he said the subsequent killing was carried out in revenge. Judge Babington described the attack as 'brutal and heartless' and said using knives was 'both cowardly and unacceptable'.

He said the violence was 'completely out of proportion to anything that had occurred before' and treated the case as having a higher starting point because of the extensive injuries to Mr Kelly's torso, head and face.

Family Spokesman Thanks Court for 'Just and Fair' Sentences

Speaking on behalf of the family, Paul Kelly described the killing as 'wrong, brutal and heartless'. He said Karol's five children 'were robbed overnight of their childhood and of many precious memories made with their daddy'.

Paul Kelly said the family had endured five long and emotionally draining years and was ready to close that chapter of their lives.

He thanked the court for the 'just and fair sentences' and praised those who attempted to save Karol after the attack. He also thanked Grafton Street residents who gave evidence during the trial and those who had supported the family.

Anderson had been granted resettlement day release, a scheme allowing prisoners to leave custody during the day for purposes including work placements, training, education and maintaining family ties before eventual release. Police inquiries into his whereabouts are continuing.