Martin McGuinness (left) and Bobby Storey (3rd left) address Sinn Fein supporters, joined by Martina Anderson (right) attending the unveiling of Gerry Adams in the Falls Road, BelfastBOBBY STOREY, hero or villain. These are the two conflicting narratives played out since the death of one of the most prominent IRA leaders of the conflict.
But often there is no simplicity or consistency in history or life. The man who once waged war on the British State later became an instrumental peeler for the peace.
The mural painted that was painted in 2014, of Gerry Adams on the Falls Road. When he was being questioned on the 1972 murder of Jean McConville
And even that was a messy business – reliant if not on violence, then at least on the unspoken threat of it. Those republicans who transgressed from the peace process, or were thinking about it, knew that big Bobby calling to the door was a whole different ball game to a chat with Mary Lou, or whoever was her late 1990s equivalent. The complicated nature of Storey’s role in post-ceasefire North of Ireland is conveyed by two incidents. It’s May 2014, just after the arrest of then Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams. He’s being questioned by the RUC/PSNI about the 1972 murder-of-10 Jean McConville. A mural is painted of Adams on the Falls Road within less than 48 hours of his arrest. It’s located, with incredibly insensitivity, just a few hundred yards from where McConville was abducted. A protest rally was held beside it.
Bank notes and war stories can’t hide the IRA’s failure
Martin McGuinness delivers the main address, but it’s Storey’s short speech which is the most eye-catching. “We have a message for the British government, the Irish government, the cabal that’s out there,” he roared. “We ain’t gone away, you know!” It brought back memories of Gerry Adams’ quip about the IRA outside Belfast City Hall in 1995. “They haven’t gone away, you know,” he told the crowd. So, the phrase Storey used was no accident. He warned of the “anger, the annoyance that they would dare touch our party leader, the leadership of Irish republicanism”. His voice went up many decibels to emphasise the word ‘dare’. The message from the IRA to the RUC/PSNI that Storey conveyed was clear: Gerry Adams was untouchable. And yet just a year later, Storey helped provide one of the Kodak moments for the peace process on the Falls Road.
Continuity Irish Republican Army (CIRA) General Head Quarters (GHQ)
Chief Constable Sir George Hamilton was invited to share a platform with Martin McGuinness at St Mary’s College during the West Belfast Festival. It was a symbol to help encourage nationalist communities relationship with the RUC/PSNI. Storey sat just a few feet away in the audience, his presence signifying IRA approval, while outside anti-agreement republican protesters blasted rebel songs. He was a staunch opponent of dissidents. He set-up and led a Provo investigation the Real IRA murder of two British soldiers at Massereene in 2009. A republican source revealed last week that Shame Féin members were “arrested” and quizzed about who was involved.
Abortion is Murder – Shame Féin
Is it beyond the realms of possibility to speculate that whatever information was gained overall during this investigation made its way to the RUC/PSNI informally? Regardless, Storey’s support for the Peace Processs was vital in the early years. Had someone of his stature thrown his weight behind dissidents, or even sat on the fence, the Adams leadership would have been significantly weakened.
Yet two of the most famous operations that Storey ran as IRA director of intelligence – the 2002 Castlereagh break-in and the 2004 Northern Bank robbery – caused massive embarrassment for the authorities. They were impeccably put together and coolly executed. Storey’s sheer audacity and tactical nous drew grudging admiration even from security sources. And yet when all is done, and those who loved him and those who loathed him have had their say, what was it all about? None of it brought a United Ireland one inch closer. Any progress that has been made in recent years is down to demographic changes, Brexit, and the foolishness of the DUP. Bobby Storey spent 20 years in prison, and he certainly wasn’t defeated by that. Under his tutelage, the IRA scored many tactical wins. But the big strategic, ideological goal – Irish Unity – has remained has remained as elusive as ever for the Provisional movement. And that’s a narrative that all the bank notes, security files or war stories just can’t hide.
With many thanks to the: Sunday Life and Suzanne Breen for the original story – suzybreen@hotmail.com
Suzanne Breen
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THE discovery of 14-year-old Noah Donohee’s body on Saturday, after a massive search operation in North Belfast over the last week, was a heart-breaking development, Noah, a student at St Malachy’s College who lived in the south of the city, had vanished in mysterious circumstances while cycling in the Shore Road district on the evening of Sunday June 21st. Hundreds of volunteers from across North Belfast and beyond came together to comb all the surrounding streets and parkland areas in carefully coordinated attempts to find any clues about the disappearance of the schoolboy. It was an outstanding response, involving all sections of society, and everyone who give up their time to support the emergency services deserves the highest praise. There were hopes that Noah might turn up safe and well but a specialist unit eventually located his body deep inside a 1km-long storm drain in the neighbourhood where he was last seen, with police saying ‘NO CRIME WAS SUSPECTED’.
The UVF (Ulster Volunteer Force) a Protestant/Loyalist illegal organisation, banned in the North of Ireland. Who have very close ties with the DUP
There will be enormous sympathy for his mother, Fiona, who previously sent out an emotional message of gratitude to all those who tried to find her only child, as well as his relatives and friends in the difficult days ahead. It is also essential that police disclose further details about what happened to Noah, as very little information about the case involving issues obviously in the public interest has so far been released. We do not know why a young boy, wearing a rucksack containing his laptop, travelled alone across the city on a Sunday evening, with detectives so far unable to establish if he was intending to meet anyone. It is also completely unclear how Noah apparently came to fall off his bike along North Queen Street, sustaining a head injury which may have caused a period of disorientation and resulted in him taking off his clothes. Police were correct to warn about the dangers of circulating rumours and speculation via social media while Noah was still missing, but, now that his body has been recovered, the basic facts of the tragedy require clarification. Noah was by all accounts a particularly gifted person in academic, musical and sporting terms, and the prayers of the entire community will with his his grieving family.
The Mount Vernon UVF were fully responsible for the murder of Noah Donohee! I challenge the RUC/PSNI – Sinn Féin and also the DUP/UVF/UDA to challenge me. Trust me all the organisations named above will loose in their arguments with me I can guarantee that 110%. Or else you might find me dead. My life and my risk I won’t stand by and be brainwashed by the so-called rule of law. It’s a fucking joke!!!
With many thanks to: The Irish News for their personal opinion for the original story.
With many thanks to: Cms.Eochaidh – (P-Anon) (@One_Shot_Paddy) for the original posting on Twitter
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John Copeland was shot dead by the British army in October 1971
The widow ofa north Belfast man shot dead by the British army almost 50 years ago is set to launch legal action over a decision by prosecutors not to ordera new PSNI investigation into the killing.
Isobel Copeland’s husband John died in October 1971. Mr Copeland (23) was shot close to his Ardoyne home by a member of the Green Howards regiment and died two days later. Just before he was killed another man, Michael McLarnon, was shot by troops in nearby Etna Drive and died a short time later. Mr Copeland’s widow is currently suing the Ministry of Defence for the alleged unlawful killing of her husband. In 2014 Attorney General John Larkin refused a request to order a fresh inquest into the case. However, after the release of a draft Historical Enquiries Team (HET) report by the RUC/PSNI, Mr Larkin was asked to revisit his original decision. In response he wrote to the Public Prosecution Service (PPS) asking them to direct the RUC/PSNI to investigate the shooting.
The PPS has subsequently refused to make what is known as a section 35 (5) referral.
“We have been fighting this for 15 years and it’s [still] going around. Hopefully we will get some sort of closure” Eddie Copeland
Mr Copeland’s son, prominent Belfast republican Eddie Copeland, said his family was disappointed by the latest decision. “Legacy cases are just dragging their heels and it’s really disappointing,” he said. “My mother is going into her seventies and we want some sort of closure for her before it’s too late.” Mr Copeland said he is mindful of other family’s who lost love and that his family is determined to continue their campaign despite the latest set back.
“I was one and half when my father was killed and my sister two and a half,” he said. “Between us there will be someone there to fight. “We have been fighting this for 15 years and it’s [still] going around. “Hopefully we will get some sort of closure.” Solicitor Kevin Winters, of KRW Law, said as a result of the Attorney General’s intervention the Copeland family had “raised expectations that at last their case would be looked at”. “With decisions like this you cannot blame families if they become disillusioned,” he said. Mark Thompson from Relatives for Justice, who has helped the Family, said: “Rather than acting in the interest of justice it appears the PPS is content with this continuing situation. “This is unacceptable.” A spokesman for the PPS said: “While we understand why families may view a section 35(5) request as a vehicle by which their case can be expedited, the Director of Public Prosecutions considered such a request inappropriate in this case. “The reasons for this have previously been outlined in a letter to the legal representatives of the Copeland family.”
With many thanks to: The Irish News and Connla Young for the original story
This website is completely a freelance website all of the news on this site is brought to you personally by me with no donations. I would like to request for personal donations to help me keep it up and running. please consider donating £5 https://www.paypal.me/KevinMeehan
Pastor Barrie Halliday has been charged with improper use of public electronic communications
PASTOR Barrie Halliday has been charged with intimidation of a witness, the Sunday World has learned.
The controversial cleric was arrested by police at his homeoutside Bessbrook in South Armagh last Friday. Halliday, who is a pastor at the Five Mile Hill Pentecostal Church, was taken to the RUC/PSNI custody suite in Lurgan and questioned about the alleged intimidation of a witness and the misuse of electronic media before being charged. It is understood the alleged new offences relate to a second social media post on June 17th and it follows Halliday’s previous arrest last week when he was also charged.
REMARKS
Halliday – a one-time pal of IRA victims campaigner Willie Frazer – is facing a string of charges after he allegedly made racist remarks on social media. Now he’s been hit with further charges after he posted a second item last Saturday 13th June. The two social media items – which has since been removed from the internet – were posted on a Facebook page once operated by Willie Frazer.
Willie Frazer on the far left one of the British terrorists responsible for the Dublin/Monahan bombings among other serious terrorist offences
Last night, Halliday confirmed he had been arrested and charged, but he declined to go into any detail. The Pastor also revealed he had declined to any detail. The Pastor also revealed he had been ordered to refrain from using social media or electronic communication. Yesterday Saturday 20th of June the RUC/PSNI said: “A man has been charged with the improper use of public communications and intimidation of a witness. “The 52-year-old man is scheduled to appear before Newry Magistrates Court on July 8th.”
With many to the: Sunday World and Hugh Jordan for the original story
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RUC/PSNI close to Ronan Kerr’s charges as man sentenced over guns and explosive find
PSNI constable Kerr was killed bya booby-trap bomb in his car in Omagh on Saturday,
Murdered police officer Ronan Kerr
POLICE INVESTIGATING THE murder of PSNI constable Ronan Kerr have said that they believe they are close to making further charges.
The update was delivered on the day a 36-year-old was sentenced for a weapons find made three days after the murder.
Officers say that the investigation into the murder is the largest ever undertaken by the force and that they have identified the group they believe carried out the car bomb that killed Kerr in April 2011. They also believe they can link this group to other incidents.
Gavin Coyle, who was today 15th January 2014 was sentenced to 10 years, leaving Dungannon Magistrates Court in 2011. (Pic: Niall Carson/PA Wire)
The PSNI’s assistant chief constable for crime operations Drew Harris described the investigation into the murder as “lengthy and complicated”:
Although we have yet to bring charges for Ronan’s murder, this investigation, which is the largest in the PSNI’s history, is far from over. Detectives in serious crime branch have linked a total of 17 incidents to the same network of individuals and terrorist groupings. These include attempts to murder other police officers, a bomb attack, arms finds and armed robberies.
“We have made progress and we believe there is potential to bring other individuals before the courts. But we are not complacent,” added Harris.
PSNI constable Kerr was killed when booby-trap bomb went off after he got into his car at Highfield Close in Omagh on Saturday, 2 April 2011.
The PSNI say that the resultant investigation has led to 14 arrests, 123 house searches and the seizure of 7,947 items.
Coalisland guns and explosive seizure
The update on the investigation was provided by the PSNI as 36-year-old Gavin Coyle, of Culmore Road, Omagh, was sentenced to a total of 10 years after admitting having guns and explosives with intent to endanger life and being a member of the IRA. Five years will be in custody with five
The arms and explosives, which included assault rifles and Semtex, were uncovered by detectives in premises at Mountjoy Road, Coalisland, Co Tyrone three days after the murder of Kerr in April 2011.
Following Coyle’s sentencing, PSNI officers have released a number of photos of the items seized that led to his conviction.
PSNI close to Ronan Kerr charges as man sentenced over guns and explosive find
PSNI constable Kerr was killed by a booby-trap bomb in his car in Omagh on Saturday, 2 April
POLICE INVESTIGATING THE murder of PSNI constable Ronan Kerr have said that they believe they are close to making further charges.
The update was delivered on the day a 36-year-old was sentenced for a weapons find made three days after the murder.
Officers say that the investigation into the murder is the largest ever undertaken by the force and that they have identified the group they believe carried out the car bomb that killed Kerr in April 2011. They also believe they can link this group to other incidents.
Gavin Coyle, who was today sentenced to 10 years, leaving Dungannon Magistrates Court in 2011. (Pic: Niall Carson/PA Wire)
The PSNI’s assistant chief constable for crime operations Drew Harris described the investigation into the murder as “lengthy and complicated”:
Although we have yet to bring charges for Ronan’s murder, this investigation, which is the largest in the PSNI’s history, is far from over. Detectives in serious crime branch have linked a total of 17 incidents to the same network of individuals and terrorist groupings. These include attempts to murder other police officers, a bomb attack, arms finds and armed robberies.
“We have made progress and we believe there is potential to bring other individuals before the courts. But we are not complacent,” added Harris.
PSNI constable Kerr was killed when booby-trap bomb went off after he got into his car at Highfield Close in Omagh on Saturday, 2 April 2011.
The PSNI say that the resultant investigation has led to 14 arrests, 123 house searches and the seizure of 7,947 items.
Coalisland guns and explosive seizure
The update on the investigation was provided by the PSNI as 36-year-old Gavin Coyle, of Culmore Road, Omagh, was sentenced to a total of 10 years after admitting having guns and explosives with intent to endanger life and being a member of the IRA. Five years will be in custody with five on licence.
The arms and explosives, which included assault rifles and Semtex, were uncovered by detectives in premises at Mountjoy Road, Coalisland, Co Tyrone three days after the murder of Kerr in April 2011.
Following Coyle’s sentencing, PSNI officers have released a number of photos of the items seized that led to his conviction.
PSNI close to Ronan Kerr charges as man sentenced over guns and explosive find
PSNI constable Kerr was killed by a booby-trap bomb in his car in Omagh on Saturday, 2 April 2011.
POLICE INVESTIGATING THE murder of PSNI constable Ronan Kerr have said that they believe they are close to making further charges.
The update was delivered on the day a 36-year-old was sentenced for a weapons find made three days after the murder.
Officers say that the investigation into the murder is the largest ever undertaken by the force and that they have identified the group they believe carried out the car bomb that killed Kerr in April 2011. They also believe they can link this group to other incidents.
Gavin Coyle, who was today sentenced to 10 years, leaving Dungannon Magistrates Court in 2011. (Pic: Niall Carson/PA Wire)
The PSNI’s assistant chief constable for crime operations Drew Harris described the investigation into the murder as “lengthy and complicated”:
Although we have yet to bring charges for Ronan’s murder, this investigation, which is the largest in the PSNI’s history, is far from over. Detectives in serious crime branch have linked a total of 17 incidents to the same network of individuals and terrorist groupings. These include attempts to murder other police officers, a bomb attack, arms finds and armed robberies.
“We have made progress and we believe there is potential to bring other individuals before the courts. But we are not complacent,” added Harris.
PSNI constable Kerr was killed when booby-trap bomb went off after he got into his car at Highfield Close in Omagh on Saturday, 2 April 2011.
The PSNI say that the resultant investigation has led to 14 arrests, 123 house searches and the seizure of 7,947 items.
Coalisland guns and explosive seizure
The update on the investigation was provided by the PSNI as 36-year-old Gavin Coyle, of Culmore Road, Omagh, was sentenced to a total of 10 years after admitting having guns and explosives with intent to endanger life and being a member of the IRA. Five years will be in custody with five on licence.
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The arms and explosives, which included assault rifles and Semtex, were uncovered by detectives in premises at Mountjoy Road, Coalisland, Co Tyrone three days after the murder of Kerr in April 2011.
Following Coyle’s sentencing, PSNI officers have released a number of photos of the items seized that led to his conviction.
Probe call into RUC/PSNI officer’s affair with associate of gang linked to Ronan Kerr murder
How The Irish News revealed that a policewoman had been sanctioned for having an inappropriate relationship with an associate of a criminal gang linked to Ronan Kerr murderTHE Police Ombudsman is being asked to examine the PSNI response to an officer’s affair with an associate of a criminal gang linked to Constable Ronan Kerr’s murder.
The Irish News yesterday revealed that a policewoman had been reprimanded over having the inappropriate sexual relationship.
A number of complaints were upheld at an internal disciplinary hearing last month and her pay was docked.
She had initially been suspended before returning to office-based work, but has now resumed operational duty.
In 2014 the PSNI sent a file in relation to the case to the Public Prosecution Service, but it decided not to pursue a prosecution.
Police said the matter was not referred to the ombudsman because it was “not the subject of a public complaint”.
It is understood the man with whom the PSNI officer was romantically involved is associated with members of a criminal gang linked to Constable Kerr’s murder.
The 25-year-old Catholic policeman was killed in 2011 when a booby-trap bomb exploded under his car in Omagh.
No-one has ever been charged with his murder, which was blamed on dissident republican paramilitaries.
The criminal gang is suspected of involvement in the theft of cars for dissidents involved in the murder plot.
The SDLP’s Dolores Kelly, a former Policing Board member, said she intends to lodge a complaint with the ombudsman to “ensure that a thorough investigation takes place”.
“The PSNI may have taken all necessary steps, and imposed proportionate and appropriate sanctions in response to the misconduct,” the Upper Bann MLA said.
“However in my view, given that public confidence in the PSNI is essential, it is important that the Police Ombudsman scrutinises the actions taken by the PSNI to judge whether or not appropriate action was taken.
“Consequentially I will lodge a complaint to the Police Ombudsman to ensure that a thorough investigation takes place.”
According to the Police (NI) Act 1998, the chief constable may refer to the ombudsman any matter involving an officer facing criminal or disciplinary proceedings if an ombudsman investigation is considered in the “public interest”.
Asked again yesterday why the case had not been referred to the ombudsman, the PSNI said it would not be making any further comment.
The Police Ombudsman’s Office said it had been in contact with the PSNI and can “understand and appreciate why no referral was made”, but declined to say why.
It added: “We frequently receive referrals from police when independent investigations by this office may be appropriate in the public interest, and we anticipate that this will continue to be the case in the future.”
With many thanks to: The Irish News and Brendan Hughes for the original story
RUC/PSNI cleared of misconduct in handling of Kerr murder probe
THE POLICE OMBUDSMAN has cleared the RUC/PSNI of misconduct in its handling of a policewoman’s affair with an associate of a gang linked to Constable Ronan Kerr’s murder.
Mr Kerr’s family made a complaint to the watchdog after The Irish News in 2018 revealed the policewoman in Co Tyrone had been reprimanded but allowed to return to work. The family raised concerns about the adequacy of the internal RUC/PSNI probe and whether it impacted on the murder investigation. Mr Kerr, a 25-year-old Catholic policeman, was murdered in 2011 when a booby-trap bomb exploded under his car in Omagh. No-one has been convicted of the murder by dissident republican paramilitaries, although one person (Gavin Coyle) was jailed for offences connected to the investigation. It is understood the man whom the policewoman was involved is associated with members of a criminal gang linked to the killing. The criminal gang is suspected of involvement in the theft of cars for dissidents involved in the murder plot. The policewoman was suspended from duty after the affair emerged and the RUC/PSNI launched an investigation. In 2014, the RUC/PSNI sent a file in relation to the case to the (PPS) Public Prosecution Service, although it decided not to pursue a criminal prosecution.
RUC/PSNI the corrupt police service in the occupied six Counties of the North of Ireland
In 2008 several complaints were upheld at an internal disciplinary hearing and the officer’s pay was docked, but she returned to operational duty. Police said it never referred the matter to the Police Ombudsmen because it was “not the subject of a public complaint”. The Police Ombudsman’s office in a statement confirmed the conclusion of its investigation. A spokesman said: “On March 14th 2018, The Irish News published a story that a serving police officer had been disciplined following an internal police investigation into her relationship with a man reported to be associated with members of a gang linked to the murder of Constable Ronan Kerr. “We subsequently received a complaint from Constable Keer’s family which raised concerns relating to the adequacy of the internal police investigation of this matter, and about possible implications for the investigation of Constable Keer’s murder. “We investigated these matters and found that the internal police investigation had been appropriately thorough, and that police had given consideration to any potential impact on the murder investigation. “There was no evidence of any misconduct in the way these matters were addressed by police.”
An RUC/PSNI spokesman said the matter had been investigated in 2013 by its Anti-Corruption Unit. “The RUC/PSNI is committed to ensuring that it’s officers and staff behave according to the highest ethical standards and we are committed to working with PONI [Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland] to detect and address behaviour which falls below these standards,” he said. Police said their their investigation into Mr Kerr’s murder is continuing and again urged anyone with information to come forward, “particularly about the origin and sourcing of the component parts of the bomb”. “Since Ronan was killed, detectives have made a significant amount of progress relating to his murder and a series of linked incidents, including attempts to murder other police officers, a bomb attack, arms finds and armed robberies,” they said. “Our resolve and the resolve of Ronan’s family remains as strong today as it was on the day that Ronan was killed. “If you can assist in any way by providing information, please do so. It is the right thing to do. Ronan and his family deserve justice.”
With many thanks to: The Irish News and Brendan Hughes for the original story – b.hughes@irishnews.com
This website is completely a freelance website all of the news on this site is brought to you personally by me with no donations. I would like to request for personal donations to help me keep it up and running. please consider donating £5 https://www.paypal.me/KevinMeehan
A WOMAN allegedly bit and spat on police officers after declaring she had coronaviris, a court has heard.
Lesa Knocker is also accused of head-butting one of them and urinating over an RUC/PSNI van following her arrest in Belfast. She was detained during the seizure of a suspected quantity of crack cocaine last Friday 3rd of April. The 34-year-old of no fixed abode, remained in a special Covid-19 custody unit while proceedings took place in her absence at Belfast Magistrates’ Court. A constable said: “She is currently still naked in the cell, spitting at anybody coming near her.” Ms Knocker is charged with four counts of attempted (GBH) grievous bodily harm with intent, all against policewomen. She is further accused of obstructing powers of search for drugs, resisting police, criminal damage and assault on police.
District Judge Fiona Bagnall was told officers were called to city centre accommodation amid suspicions that an illicit substance had been found. “She (Knocker) informed police on arrival that she had Covid-19 and tried to spit on them,” the constable said. The accused was arrested after blue tablets, suspected to be crack cocaine. were discovered in a room linked to her.
During the incident she allegedly head-butted one officer, bit another on the hand and tried to bite their arms. According to police, Ms Knocker also urinated over a cell van and spat on an officer before being taken for medical assistance. “In interview she informed police that she was displaying symptoms (of coronaviris) and had been told to self-isolate,” the constable said. No defence lawyer was present to make submissions on Ms Knocker’s behalf, and she was refused bail.
With many thanks to: The Irish News for the original story
This website is completely a freelance website all of the news on this site is brought to you personally by me with no donations. I would like to request for personal donations to help me keep it up and running. please consider donating £5 https://www.paypal.me/KevinMeehan
This website is completely a freelance website all of the news on this site is brought to you personally by me with no donations. I would like to request for personal donations to help me keep it up and running. please consider donating £5 https://www.paypal.me/KevinMeehan
Irish Taoiseach Leo Varadkar: HUMILIATED British Army Murderers
This website is completely a freelance website all of the news on this site is brought to you personally by me with no donations. I would like to request for personal donations to help me keep it up and running. please consider donating £5 https://www.paypal.me/KevinMeehan
This website is completely a freelance website all of the news on this site is brought to you personally by me with no donations. I would like to request for personal donations to help me keep it up and running. please consider donating £5 https://www.paypal.me/KevinMeehan
Glennane gang: Jon Boutcher to head collusion investigation
Jon Boutcher will lead the investigation
Former Bedfordshire Police chief Jon Boutcher will head an inquiry into the activities of the Glenanne Gang.
In July, the Court of Appeal said a full, independent investigation must be held.
The loyalist paramilitary gang has been linked to up to 120 murders and included some serving members of the police and security services.
Mr Boucher is separately investigating the activities of an Army agent within the IRA, known as Stakeknife.
Glenanne gang victims win legal challenge
PSNI ‘must complete Glenanne Gang probe’
‘Establish the truth’
Mr Boutcher said the review would have the “interests of the victims, and their loved ones at its very heart”.
He said: “I will do everything I can to establish the truth about who was responsible for these terrible crimes.
“For the families that especially means finding out about what, if any, assistance was given to the Glenanne Gang by others in any manner whatsoever, and that will include whether people turned a blind eye to what was happening.”
The farm in Glenanne was alleged to be the base for the gang
An investigation into alleged security force collaboration with the gang was started by the now defunct Historical Enquiries Team (HET).
However, the HET was later abolished and the report, thought to be 80% complete, was shelved.
Families argued they were promised an investigation.
Initial legal proceedings against the PSNI were taken by Edward Barnard, whose 13-year-old brother Patrick was killed in the Hillcrest Bar bombing.
The boy was one of four people to die in the no-warning explosion on St Patrick’s Day, 1976.
Five years later, Dungannon Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF) member Garnet James Busby received a life sentence after admitting his role in the bombing and other terrorist offences.
July’s Court of Appeal ruling upheld a previous court’s decision that had been challenged by the former PSNI Chief Constable, Sir George Hamilton.
Relatives of those allegedly murdered and injured by the so-called Glenanne Gang have campaigned for the investigation
Assistant Chief Constable George Clarke said the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s thoughts “first and foremost are with all of the families affected by these incidents”.
He added: “Following the Court of Appeal judgment on 5 July the chief constable undertook to commence work to appoint the Independent Police Team and he has now asked for the assistance of Jon Boutcher to head this team to conduct the analytical report on collusion as ordered by the court.”
The Glenanne Gang is believed to have been responsible for the murders of 33 people in the 1974 Dublin and Monaghan bombings.
It has also been linked to a number of other atrocities, including the 1975 Miami Showband Massacre in which three members of the popular group were shot dead.
With many thanks to: BBC NewsNI for the original story
This website is completely a freelance website all of the news on this site is brought to you personally by me with no donations. I would like to request for personal donations to help me keep it up and running. please consider donating £5 https://www.paypal.me/KevinMeehan
seachranaidhe1 