Skip to content

Shooting victim denied travel to Scotland for treatment

Julian O'Neill
BBC News NI Crime and Justice Correspondent
Pacemaker Two men in white forensic suits examining a white taxi with its door open. In the foreground police tape is tried to a street light.Pacemaker
Sean O'Reilly was shot twice while sitting in a taxi in the Bell Steel Manor area of Dunmurry

The victim of a suspected republican feud shooting in Northern Ireland has been denied travel to Scotland for surgery on anti-terrorism grounds, his solicitor has said.

Sean O'Reilly, 49, was shot twice in an attack in the Bell Steel Manor area of Dunmurry on Sunday.

An air ambulance was ready to take him to Glasgow for surgery, but he was then informed he was being denied travel.

A legal challenge is now likely.

His solicitor, Peter Corrigan of Phoenix Law, said the decision was "absolutely disgraceful".

Mr O'Reilly was admitted to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast on Sunday.

He underwent surgery to remove a bullet from his collarbone.

A scan showed he had also suffered a severed nerve in his left bicep and arrangements were made for specialist surgery in Glasgow.

Mr Corrigan said: "The surgeon has said he has to be there before Saturday or the nerves will die.

"The air ambulance was ready but then he was told that the authorities have refused to take him under anti-terrorism legislation."

He claimed the decision is unlawful and will be challenged in court.

Republican Network for Unity, a small political group with links to the dissident organisation Óglaigh na hÉireann, has said Mr O'Reilly is one of its members.