10/10/2013

Ombudsman Launches Liam Adams Investigation

The police ombudsman has launched an investigation to examine how police dealt with the case of Liam Adams, who was convicted of sexually assaulting and raping his own daughter, Áine, in the 1970s.

The complaint brought about by three DUP figures, Edwin Poots, Jonathon Craig and Paul Givan, is thought to be linked to Gerry Adams, the Sinn Féin leader and Liam Adams' brother.

Gerry Adams has been accused of withholding information regarding the abuse carried out by his brother.

Edwin Poots, Jonathan Craig and Paul Givan say the police did not properly investigate a witness statement about the abuse allegations.

The Sinn Féin leader said he had committed no offense and had co-operated with the police, the Public Prosecution Service and the courts.

Liam Adams was convicted of abusing his daughter over a period of six years.

At the first trial in April, Gerry Adams said his brother admitted that he had sexually abused Áine during a walk in in Dundalk, County Louth, in 2000.

Gerry Adams said his brother admitted having molested his daughter, but did not admit rape.

The Sinn Féin president made his first report to the police about the allegations in 2007, shortly after Sinn Féin voted to accept the Police Service of Northern Ireland.

(IT/CD)

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