Legal challenge to jail move

Maze prison due to close later this year

One of the last few republican prisoners in the Maze jail has mounted a legal challenge to prevent his transfer to Maghaberry prison.

Martin Corden, from Lurgan, County Armagh, is seeking a judicial review of the transfer due to take effect on 30 September.

He was jailed in December 1998 for possessing firearms and is not due for release until April 2003.

The Maze is to be closed later this year after the mass release of most of its remaining paramilitary prisoners on 28 July under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement.

Lawyers for Corden say the Prison Service failed to give weight to the "real and genuine threat to his life" from loyalist prisoners in Maghaberry.

Papers lodged with court

Papers lodged in court said the threat arose from the fact there is no segregation of paramilitary prisoners in Maghaberry.

It was claimed a number of dissident loyalists not on ceasefire and opposed to the peace process would view him as a legitimate target.

The papers stated: "He would be isolated and exposed being one of only two perceived Provisional IRA prisoners in Maghaberry.

"From September he will be the only one so perceived, marking him as an easily identifiable target for loyalists."

The case was due to be heard at the High Court in Belfast on Wednesday but was adjourned to give lawyers time to file further affidavits.

The case was adjourned until 31 August.