A MAN convicted of the murder of a Garda sergeant in 1985 was refused permission by the Supreme Court yesterday to bed allowed out of prison to visit his sick mother in Co Armagh. Michael McHugh (35), of Clonalig, Crossmaglen, was convicted by the Special Criminal Court in December 1985 of the capital murder of Sgt Paddy Morrissey (49), near Tallonstown, Co Louth.

He was sentenced to death, but the sentence was later commuted to 40 years penal servitude without remission.

Last February the High Court turned down an application for McHugh to be allowed an escorted visit to his mother. It was said she is ill and unable to visit Portlaoise Prison. He appealed the decision to the Supreme Court.

Giving the Supreme Court's decision, Mr Justice O'Flaherty said the question of release was one for the Minister for Justice.

McHugh and another man were convicted of the sergeant's murder and of the armed theft of £25,000 from the manager of Ardee Labour Exchange.