Relatives of 10 people murdered in the 1970s have been told there is insufficient evidence to prosecute a former police officer 50 years later.
The killings were linked to the Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF) Glenanne gang.
The decision by the Public Prosecution Service (PPS) follows an investigation conducted by the Police Ombudsman.
Victims’ group, the Pat Finucane Centre, said it was disappointing, adding that the murders were not properly investigated at the time.
The murders which were under examination by the PPS in this case were:
Thomas McNamee, who died from injuries sustained during a bomb attack on Mc Ardle’s Bar in Crossmaglen in November 1974
Sean Farmer and Colm McCartney – two GAA fans who were killed at a dummy roadblock in south Armagh in August 1975
Trevor Brecknell, Patsy Donnelly and Michael Donnelly who were killed in a gun and bomb attack at Donnelly’s Bar in Silverbridge in December 1975
Anthony Reavey, Brian Reavey and John Martin Reavey, three brothers who were shot dead in their home in January 1976
Patrick Mone who was killed in a car bomb attack in Castleblayney in March 1976
Alan Brecknell, son of Silverbridge bomb victim Trevor Brecknell, described the decision not to prosecute in his father’s case as “deeply disappointing but not surprising”.
“The RUC [Royal Ulster Constabulary] was well aware of the identities of those who carried out these attacks while at the same time making sure not to carry out anything resembling a proper investigation,” Mr Brecknell said.
“Rarely has the phrase justice delayed is justice denied rung more true.”
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Who were the Glenanne gang?
The Glenanne gang was based at a farm in Glenanne, County Armagh, in the 1970s.
Its members are suspected of involvement in about 90 attacks during the Troubles, including the 1974 Dublin and Monaghan bombings, which killed 33 people, and the 1975 Miami Showband Massacre targeting one of Ireland’s best known showbands.
The gang was also implicated in fatal bombings at the Step Inn pub in Keady, County Armagh, and the Hillcrest Bar in Dungannon, County Tyrone.
by suihpares
3 comments
>”The RUC [Royal Ulster Constabulary] was well aware of the identities of those who carried out these attacks while at the same time making sure not to carry out anything resembling a proper investigation,” Mr Brecknell said.
>”Rarely has the phrase justice delayed is justice denied rung more true.”
The RUC [Royal Ulster Constabulary] was well aware of the identities of those who carried out these attacks…
The RUC [Royal Ulster Constabulary] was well aware of the identities of those who carried out these attacks…
The RUC [Royal Ulster Constabulary] was well aware of the identities of those who carried out these attacks…
W.T.F?
Most of the good folk about Newry Camlough and Whitecross already know who these cunts are, most are burning in hell atm.
No justice no peace