DOZENS of loyalist prisoners may escape punishment for their alleged role in the £1 million wrecking spree at the Maze Prison last year, following a Belfast High Court decision yesterday.
An application for judicial review was brought on behalf of prisoner Mark Gibson, one of the many loyalists who were charged with disciplinary offences following the disturbances in March, 1995.
Barrister Mr John Larkin said determination of the charges against Gibson had been adjourned pending the outcome of police investigations into the riot.
Mr Justice Kerr upheld the application, seen as a test case, and said the decision could lend to the charges against the other prisoners being dropped.