Maurice O'Mahoney

HC Deb 23 February 1976 vol 906 cc8-9W

Mr. Beith

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department where Maurice O'Mahoney was detained when he was remanded in custody in 1974.

Dr. Summerskill

Mr. O'Mahoney was held at Brixton Prison from 14th June 1974 to 21st June 1974. From that date until his conviction on 20th September 1974 he was in police custody.

Mr. Beith

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will make a statement about the circumstances in which Maurice O'Mahoney, sentenced to five years' imprisonment, is serving his sentence in a police station and about the allegation published in a newspaper that he is allowed to attend football matches.

Dr. Summerskill

Mr. O'Mahoney has been and still is a prosecution witness at the trials of a number of persons accused of serious criminal offences. For his own own safety and in the interests of justice my right hon. Friend has authorised his temporary release into police custody for the duration of these proceedings. He has not been allowed to attend any football match whilst he has been in police custody.