Menu
23/07/2021
Police Ombudsman Report Further Evidence Against Amnesty Proposal
The findings of a Police Ombudsman report into the 1993 murder of Damien Walsh is "further evidence" that the UK Government's amnesty proposals "are a bad idea", Alliance MLA John Blair has said.
The Ombudsman found 'significant failures' in the police investigation into the killing of Damien Walsh, who died after being shot at the Diary Farm complex close to Twinbrook. Marie Anderson said while there was no evidence the RUC had prior knowledge of the attack or could have stopped it, the subsequent investigation showed 'collusive police behaviours' due to the suspension of a police surveillance operation against the UDA's C Company, as well as other failures.
Commenting on the report, Mr Blair, a member of the Policing Board, said: "My thoughts and sympathies are with the loved ones of Damien Walsh, who will have no doubt been re-traumatised by having their original doubts about the investigation confirmed by these findings.
"Alliance is fully supportive of our police service and know the majority of officers acted with honour but nobody can be above the law. We must hold people to account for their actions and uphold the rule of law. During the time the UDA gang were not being watched, it also committed another murder, leaving another family in grief. Questions clearly need asked.
"This is further proof of just how bad an idea the UK Government's proposals to essentially draw a line under the Troubles and move on are. Victims and survivors, and their families, deserve the option of justice but in addition, they deserve the truth about what happened to their loved ones. If these proposals came to pass, Damien Walsh's family, as well as many others, would have that option taken off the table."
The Ombudsman found 'significant failures' in the police investigation into the killing of Damien Walsh, who died after being shot at the Diary Farm complex close to Twinbrook. Marie Anderson said while there was no evidence the RUC had prior knowledge of the attack or could have stopped it, the subsequent investigation showed 'collusive police behaviours' due to the suspension of a police surveillance operation against the UDA's C Company, as well as other failures.
Commenting on the report, Mr Blair, a member of the Policing Board, said: "My thoughts and sympathies are with the loved ones of Damien Walsh, who will have no doubt been re-traumatised by having their original doubts about the investigation confirmed by these findings.
"Alliance is fully supportive of our police service and know the majority of officers acted with honour but nobody can be above the law. We must hold people to account for their actions and uphold the rule of law. During the time the UDA gang were not being watched, it also committed another murder, leaving another family in grief. Questions clearly need asked.
"This is further proof of just how bad an idea the UK Government's proposals to essentially draw a line under the Troubles and move on are. Victims and survivors, and their families, deserve the option of justice but in addition, they deserve the truth about what happened to their loved ones. If these proposals came to pass, Damien Walsh's family, as well as many others, would have that option taken off the table."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
09 August 2019
Man Charged With 1994 Murder
A man has been charged with the murder of a postal worker in 1994. The 60-year-old faces a series of charges relating to the death of Francis Damien Kerr, who was shot dead when masked raiders stormed the postal sorting office in Newry, County Down on 10 November 1994. The Provisional IRA was blamed for the attack.
Man Charged With 1994 Murder
A man has been charged with the murder of a postal worker in 1994. The 60-year-old faces a series of charges relating to the death of Francis Damien Kerr, who was shot dead when masked raiders stormed the postal sorting office in Newry, County Down on 10 November 1994. The Provisional IRA was blamed for the attack.
22 July 2021
Ombudsman Identifies 'Collusive Behaviours' Over Murder Of Damien Walsh
The Police Ombudsman, Marie Anderson, has identified significant investigative failures by the RUC in relation to the murder of 17-year-old Damien Walsh in 1993, as well as evidence of 'collusive behaviours' by police. Damien was shot dead at the Dairy Farm complex in west Belfast on 25 March 1993 by members of the UDA/UFF.
Ombudsman Identifies 'Collusive Behaviours' Over Murder Of Damien Walsh
The Police Ombudsman, Marie Anderson, has identified significant investigative failures by the RUC in relation to the murder of 17-year-old Damien Walsh in 1993, as well as evidence of 'collusive behaviours' by police. Damien was shot dead at the Dairy Farm complex in west Belfast on 25 March 1993 by members of the UDA/UFF.
23 June 2016
Police Officers Disciplined For Failing To Tell Doctor About Woman's Head Injuries
Two police officers have been disciplined after they failed to let their colleagues and a police doctor know that a woman had sustained a head injury, a Police Ombudsman investigation has concluded. The woman died from bleeding to the brain on 24 February 2014, the day after she suffered the injury.
Police Officers Disciplined For Failing To Tell Doctor About Woman's Head Injuries
Two police officers have been disciplined after they failed to let their colleagues and a police doctor know that a woman had sustained a head injury, a Police Ombudsman investigation has concluded. The woman died from bleeding to the brain on 24 February 2014, the day after she suffered the injury.
12 November 2020
Covid Restriction Limbo Continues
Talks on the next move for NI's current Covid-19 restrictions have entered their fourth day. Ministers had been expected to announce an end to or extension of the restrictions at the start of this week, but to date three separate proposals have been vetoed by the DUP.
Covid Restriction Limbo Continues
Talks on the next move for NI's current Covid-19 restrictions have entered their fourth day. Ministers had been expected to announce an end to or extension of the restrictions at the start of this week, but to date three separate proposals have been vetoed by the DUP.
26 January 2015
Belfast To Dublin Airport Rail Line Considered
Plans are being considered for a direct railway line between Belfast and Dublin Airport. Irish Rail is understood to be considering the introduction of a new line allowing those travelling from Belfast to the airport to use the railway.
Belfast To Dublin Airport Rail Line Considered
Plans are being considered for a direct railway line between Belfast and Dublin Airport. Irish Rail is understood to be considering the introduction of a new line allowing those travelling from Belfast to the airport to use the railway.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Showers, scattered in the evening, will clear by midnight leaving the night dry with clear spells. Perhaps a touch of ground frost. Cloud will spread east towards morning. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
