Kingsmill Suspect Will Not Be Prosecuted

The Public Prosecution Service (PPS) will not be prosecuting a man who was arrested last year in connection with the Kingsmill massacre.

Ten Protestant workmen were killed after their minibus was attacked in co Armagh on 05 January 1976.

Another man survived despite being shot 18 times.

A palm print was found on the suspected van used in the massacre, however the PPS said it will not be pursuing a case against the man due to "insufficient evidence".

Ulster Unionist Newry & Armagh Assembly candidate Danny Kennedy, expressed "bitter disappointment" at the decision.

He said: "The families and the sole survivor have waited over 40 years in their pursuit of maximum truth and justice for this brutal and barbaric sectarian crime, so the news that the PPS has decided not to prosecute the suspect whose palm print was found on a vehicle believed to be used by the IRA gunmen responsible for the Kingsmills massacre, is indeed a setback.

"I will be seeking clarification on whether or not all the available evidence has been completely and exhaustively explored in relation to the palm print. It is scarcely credible that this case has not been able to move forward as a result of this potential evidence

"It is now imperative that the coroner’s inquest should proceed with all haste in its work to uncover the truth of what happened at Kingsmills. It is my hope that it may yet uncover opportunities and truths to bring to justice those Republicans responsible for one of the most barbaric crimes of the entire Troubles. I pay tribute to the sole survivor, Alan Black and the Kingmills families, who after 41 long years, remain determined to establish the truth about Kingsmills. I fully support them and will continue to assist them in any way possible."

Alliance Justice spokesperson Trevor Lunn said:"This is a bitterly disappointing development for the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives in this massacre.

"They recently had their hopes raised by the discovery of this palm print, only to now have them dashed again. I appreciate there is an evidential standard the PPS must adhere to but that will not make it any easier for the families, who have continued to campaign in a dignified and honourable manner."

(CD)