Murderer's early release revoked

A convicted murderer has had his early release under the Good Friday Agreement revoked after being charged with money laundering and fraud offences.

Seamus Francis Mullan from Lisnascreaghog Road, Garvagh, in County Londonderry, appeared in court last week.

Secretary of State Peter Hain revoked his early release licence on Wednesday.

Last week, Mullan, 52, was described by police in court as a disaffected republican.

He denies acquiring criminal property, having almost a quarter of a million illegal cigarettes and dishonestly obtaining nearly £20,000 in benefits.

Mullan, who served a 14-year prison sentence for murder, had assets worth £300,000 frozen last week.

Mullan was refused bail at Londonderry Magistrates Court after a senior detective warned he was likely to re-offend and interfere with witnesses.

He was arrested during police raids on 16 houses in Limavady and Coleraine on Tuesday in which a number of people were arrested.

The accused was remanded in custody to appear again on 11 January.