Derry judge brands Housing Executive regulations as 'illogical nonsense'
District Judge Barney McElholm comments came at Derry Magistrate's Court as he dealt with the case of Fergal Collins (43) of Duncreggan Road in Derry who appeared for breaching his bail by not returning to prison after being released on compassionate bail in order to secure accommodation.
A Derry judge has slammed as 'illogical nonsense' regulations that require people to turn up in person to the Housing Executive in order to secure accommodation.
District Judge Barney McElholm comments came at Derry Magistrate's Court as he dealt with the case of Fergal Collins (43) of Duncreggan Road in Derry who appeared for breaching his bail by not returning to prison after being released on compassionate bail in order to secure accommodation.
Judge McElholm said that he was not going to release people of compassionate bail again as it was 'too risky'.
He said that there was no reason why people had to turn up in person before the Housing Executive would house them.
The judge said 'something had to be done' to change the requirement.
He added that for a period the Housing Executive had been housing people who contacted them from prison but then 'someone decided we are not doing that.'
Calling for a change in the regulations the judge said that there was no reason for them.
Collins will appear again on December 12.