Soldier who killed comrades freed
A soldier who killed three comrades in the Middle East has been released from prison
Thursday March 18 2010
A soldier who shot dead three colleagues in the Middle East has been formally released from prison.
Michael McAleavy served more than 27 years for killing the three Irish Army comrades while on peacekeeping duties in Lebanon in 1982.
The west Belfast man had been living part time in the community in recent months as part of a pre-release scheme from Maghaberry jail in Co Antrim. It is understood his sentence was formally served on Monday.
In the wake of the killings, McAleavy claimed Corporal Gregory Morrow, Private Thomas Murphy and Private Peter Burke had been shot by Lebanese gunmen.
But he later admitted responsibility, claiming he snapped under pressure.
He served many years in the Republic of Ireland before being transferred across the border after making an appeal to be closer to his family.
His release was directed by the Independent Parole Commission.
