Menu
02/06/2021
PPS Will Not Prosecute Black Lives Matter Protestors
The Public Prosecution Service (PPS) has confirmed it will not be prosecuting in relation to all suspects reported in connection with attendance at Black Lives Matter (BLM) protests in June 2020.
A total of 14 suspects were reported to the PPS for consideration of potential offences under the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2020 at one or more of three BLM protests held in L'Derry and Belfast whilst Government restrictions were in place last summer.
The decisions not to prosecute relate to:
• Three individuals reported in connection with a protest held outside Belfast City Hall on 3rd June 2020
• Seven individuals reported in connection with a protest held at Custom House Square, Belfast, on 6th June 2020
• One further individual reported in connection with both of the above protests
• Three individuals reported in connection with a protest held in Guildhall Square, Derry, on 06 June 2020.
After careful consideration of all evidence reported by the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) on six files relating to the 14 individuals, it was concluded that the Test for Prosecution was not met in respect of any suspect on evidential grounds.
Assistant Director Martin Hardy said: "Decision making on this file included consideration of a range of complex and novel legal issues arising from the Coronavirus Regulations in place at the time of these protests and relevant human rights considerations. It also involved a careful analysis of the particular circumstances of these protests and the conduct of the individuals reported.
"The evidence received from police was subjected to an impartial and independent application of the Test for Prosecution, in line with the PPS Code for Prosecutors. The prosecution team was also assisted by advice received from independent Senior Counsel.
"It was concluded that, in respect of each of the 14 individuals reported, there was no reasonable prospect of conviction for any offence. This was on the basis that the evidence would allow the suspects to successfully raise the statutory defence of reasonable excuse. In these circumstances the Test for Prosecution was not met."
A total of 14 suspects were reported to the PPS for consideration of potential offences under the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2020 at one or more of three BLM protests held in L'Derry and Belfast whilst Government restrictions were in place last summer.
The decisions not to prosecute relate to:
• Three individuals reported in connection with a protest held outside Belfast City Hall on 3rd June 2020
• Seven individuals reported in connection with a protest held at Custom House Square, Belfast, on 6th June 2020
• One further individual reported in connection with both of the above protests
• Three individuals reported in connection with a protest held in Guildhall Square, Derry, on 06 June 2020.
After careful consideration of all evidence reported by the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) on six files relating to the 14 individuals, it was concluded that the Test for Prosecution was not met in respect of any suspect on evidential grounds.
Assistant Director Martin Hardy said: "Decision making on this file included consideration of a range of complex and novel legal issues arising from the Coronavirus Regulations in place at the time of these protests and relevant human rights considerations. It also involved a careful analysis of the particular circumstances of these protests and the conduct of the individuals reported.
"The evidence received from police was subjected to an impartial and independent application of the Test for Prosecution, in line with the PPS Code for Prosecutors. The prosecution team was also assisted by advice received from independent Senior Counsel.
"It was concluded that, in respect of each of the 14 individuals reported, there was no reasonable prospect of conviction for any offence. This was on the basis that the evidence would allow the suspects to successfully raise the statutory defence of reasonable excuse. In these circumstances the Test for Prosecution was not met."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
27 June 2014
Funding Secured For Voluntary Teacher Redundancies
Funding has been found for 30 voluntary redundancies, Education Minister John O'Dowd has announced. It follows protests held earlier this week over the low number of voluntary redundancies that the minister had approved. Previously 46 voluntary redundancies had been allowed but only in schools that where due to close or that were being amalgamated.
Funding Secured For Voluntary Teacher Redundancies
Funding has been found for 30 voluntary redundancies, Education Minister John O'Dowd has announced. It follows protests held earlier this week over the low number of voluntary redundancies that the minister had approved. Previously 46 voluntary redundancies had been allowed but only in schools that where due to close or that were being amalgamated.
02 February 2012
A1 Reopens After Lorry Fire
The A1 is now open following a lorry blaze close to the coach works at Banbridge Road, Dromore, this morning. It was closed in both directions after the driver reported smelling fumes from his cab and pulling over to find the vehicle in flames. No one was hurt in the incident. The road is now fully open.
A1 Reopens After Lorry Fire
The A1 is now open following a lorry blaze close to the coach works at Banbridge Road, Dromore, this morning. It was closed in both directions after the driver reported smelling fumes from his cab and pulling over to find the vehicle in flames. No one was hurt in the incident. The road is now fully open.
06 October 2009
NI's Drug Abusers Highlighted
Cannabis remains the drug of choice for Northern Ireland users. A statistical bulletin detailing information on problem drug users presenting for treatment services in the year ending 31 March 2009 has been published.
NI's Drug Abusers Highlighted
Cannabis remains the drug of choice for Northern Ireland users. A statistical bulletin detailing information on problem drug users presenting for treatment services in the year ending 31 March 2009 has been published.
06 July 2007
Drive-by attack victim critical
Gardai in Dublin have found a burned out car which they believe was used in a drive-by shooting in the north of the city this morning (Friday). A 24-year-old is in a critical condition in hospital following the shooting which took place shortly after midnight.
Drive-by attack victim critical
Gardai in Dublin have found a burned out car which they believe was used in a drive-by shooting in the north of the city this morning (Friday). A 24-year-old is in a critical condition in hospital following the shooting which took place shortly after midnight.
15 February 2002
Woman shot in abdomen during domestic incident
A 45-year-old woman is in a stable condition in hospital after being shot in the stomach on the outskirts of west Belfast. The incident, which police believe to have been a domestic dispute, took place at a farmhouse in Wheelers Road, Hannahstown. The remains of a bouquet of flowers were found across the yard outside their front door.
Woman shot in abdomen during domestic incident
A 45-year-old woman is in a stable condition in hospital after being shot in the stomach on the outskirts of west Belfast. The incident, which police believe to have been a domestic dispute, took place at a farmhouse in Wheelers Road, Hannahstown. The remains of a bouquet of flowers were found across the yard outside their front door.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:The day will be very windy with strong to gale force westerly winds becoming occasionally severe along the north coast. Sunny spells will be interspersed with scattered showers. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:West to northwest gale force winds, severe along the north coast, will continue overnight. Frequent showers persist, merging into longer periods of rain at times and turning wintry. Minimum temperature 1 °C.
