A CONVICTED double murderer has won permission in the High Court in Belfast to challenge regulations which currently stop him gaining a licence to work as a bouncer.
Derry man Tony Doherty was granted leave to seek a judicial review of eligibility criteria he claims breaches his expectations as a prisoner released under the Belfast Agreement.
A full hearing of the case, which could have implications for others who cannot apply for the permits, has been listed for next month.
Mr Doherty was freed in 2000 after serving time for more than 70 terrorist-related offences, including the killing of two loyalists in Derry in 1991.
Following his release he had worked as a doorman until new licensing requirements for security industry staff were extended to Northern Ireland. Under new rules, convicted offenders cannot immediately qualify for a licence.
Lawyers for Mr Doherty, whose name was given as Antaine Ó Dochartaigh in High Court papers, are challenging regulations which delay his eligibility on the basis of his lesser convictions.
It was argued that if he had served time for murder alone he could have been considered for a licence in 2009, but because Mr Doherty was also given a 15-year sentence for other offences, he must wait five years after that term to demonstrate he can be trouble-free in the community.
Barrister Christopher Coyle contended in court that it was irrational and made no sense to penalise Mr Doherty more harshly for the lesser offences.
Mr Justice Seamus Treacy fixed the case for a full judicial review hearing on June 29th.