Justice Minister Urged to Review Bail Decision After Tragic Death of 16-Year-Old Jaidyn Rice

Justice Minister Naomi Long has been urged to review bail policies following public outcry over the release of a man charged in the death of 16-year-old Jaidyn Rice. The DICE Future Project founder, Aaron McMahon, penned a heartfelt letter calling for urgent reform and stronger protections for grieving families and communities.

Emotional Appeal to Minister Naomi Long After Tragic Loss of Teenager

The founder of the DICE Future Project, Aaron McMahon, has issued a powerful and emotional plea to Northern Ireland’s Justice Minister Naomi Long following the tragic death of 16-year-old Jaidyn Rice.

Jaidyn, a valued and active member of the DICE Future community, died on 8th July in an incident that has left Bangor and the wider community devastated.

In a letter dated 29 July 2025, McMahon expressed his deep sorrow and concern over the judicial response, particularly the decision to grant bail to the man charged with her death. The accused faces multiple charges, including:

• Causing death by dangerous driving
• Causing death while uninsured
• Causing death as an unlicensed driver

Despite serious concerns raised by police, including allegations of previous bail breaches and potential risk to the public, the defendant was released on bail—a decision that has sparked disbelief and anguish among Jaidyn’s loved ones.

“This decision has sent a painful and chilling message,” McMahon wrote. “Jaidyn’s death deserves the strongest response the justice system can give—not a conditional release and vague reassurances.”

Community Calls for Urgent Reform

In the letter addressed to Minister Long, McMahon calls for a review of how bail is granted in cases involving fatal incidents and serious traffic offences. The community is particularly alarmed by the perceived leniency shown, despite the severity of the charges and the emotional trauma faced by Jaidyn’s mother, who was present in court.

The letter calls on the Department of Justice to:

• Review bail thresholds in death-by-dangerous-driving cases
• Reassess how prior bail breaches are weighed in court decisions
• Consider the emotional and social impact of bail decisions on communities

“This is not good enough,” McMahon stated. “Her memory demands justice.”

DICE Future Project: “Jaidyn Was One of Us”

The DICE Future Project, a youth initiative aimed at supporting young people’s development and futures, considered Jaidyn part of its extended family.

Described as ambitious, warm, and full of integrity, Jaidyn embodied the values the project champions. Her death has deeply shaken not only the project but also her friends, peers, and the wider Bangor community.

Ministerial Response Anticipated

As public concern continues to rise, pressure is mounting on the Department of Justice to address the community’s questions and to ensure safeguards are in place for future cases involving similar circumstances.

The letter from the DICE Future Project stands as a call to action—not in anger, but in sorrow and in the pursuit of justice.