Archive

More headaches for the Chief Constable of the PSNI The hooded men judgment

On 18th October, the Supreme Court gave its judgment on this issue. The link is provided below. In summary, Robert and David Stewart provided evidence by which a number of  alleged Loyalist paramilitary  persons were prosecuted. In return, the tariff for their life sentences for admitted murder, were set at three years -a reduction of […]

As the legal year lumbers into ‘action’ some recent developments are of note. The Chief Justice, having tried a publicity campaign for additional funds, has turned to making his own team more efficient. Aside from getting the young ones to become  involved in new projects, recent retirees, Girvan and Weir , have been brought back […]

In January 2017 police broke into Eddie’s home in Greenisland. They had been led there by a series of events which had occurred in Belfast and involved Margaret Henderson-McCarroll. There they found the lifeless body of Eddie. Seated, his  shorts around his ankles, his  hands and his ankles bound together with neckties and his mouth […]

Readers will know that the NIAC recommended that HMG pursue Libya for compensation and in default, set up a fund for victims and survivors. There was optimism when the DUP became power brokers re the May government. Was this issue included in the negotiations?  No. Why not? The answer may lie in the business background […]

State surveillance The files at Kew provide insights into British thinking in the 1970s. Surveillance technology was in its infancy but was being deployed in Northern Ireland. Just as interesting, the army did not trust the RUC. This problem persisted throughout the Troubles and led to turf wars over informants. Though there were attempts to […]

The use of a Mckenzie friend has come under judicial scrutiny in the Irish Republic too, with judges clarifying rules for their use. Of course, the friend would not be needed if the State provided adequate legal aid. Judges tighten rules on McKenzie friends

Beware those pesky statistics

Crisis point has been reached for those whose loved ones were killed during the Troubles. A concerted effort from victims and survivors is required. But who will take the lead? The Glenanne gang, the PSNI and uncovering the past

Summary of judgment – In re Edward Barnard-4