Prisoners in legal battle to vote

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Three prisoners, including a convicted murderer, have been granted leave to seek a judicial review in a legal battle to vote in the NI election.

The case was brought by Stephen Boyle, who is serving a life sentence, robber Ciaran Toner and burglar Hugh Walsh.

They are claiming that the denial of a vote is in breach of their human rights under the European Convention.

They were granted leave in the High Court on Tuesday. Under law, convicted prisoners are not allowed to vote.

The full hearing will take place next Thursday - six days before the election on 7 March.