13/09/2004
Former RUC informer pleads guilty to Finucane murder
The man accused of murdering Belfast solicitor Pat Finucane more than 15 years ago has pleaded guilty to the charge.
Ken Barrett, 41, made his guilty plea during the opening day trial of Mr Finucane's death at Belfast Crown Court on Monday.
Mr Barrett, who had previously denied shooting the Belfast solicitor at his home in north Belfast in February 1989, also admitted a charge of attempting to murder Mrs Finucane, stealing Army-owned weapons and membership of the Ulster Freedom Fighters during Monday's hearing.
Following today's news, Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams called on the government to launch a full independent inquiry into Mr Finucane's death.
"Given the Finucane family's experience of the criminal justice and policing systems over the past 15 years they have always been convinced that this would be the only avenue to get to the truth," the West Belfast MP said.
"Sinn Féin will continue to support the Finucane family and the other families of those murdered by the British State through its policy of state sanctioned murder in their search for the truth.”
Mr Finucane's widow Geraldine is currently challenging the government's decision to delay a public inquiry which was recommended by retired Canadian judge Peter Cory earlier this year.
Mr Cory was appointed by the British and Irish governments in 2001 to examine allegations of collusion surrounding some of the most controversial killings of the Troubles in Northern Ireland including the Finucane case.
(MB/GMCG)
Ken Barrett, 41, made his guilty plea during the opening day trial of Mr Finucane's death at Belfast Crown Court on Monday.
Mr Barrett, who had previously denied shooting the Belfast solicitor at his home in north Belfast in February 1989, also admitted a charge of attempting to murder Mrs Finucane, stealing Army-owned weapons and membership of the Ulster Freedom Fighters during Monday's hearing.
Following today's news, Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams called on the government to launch a full independent inquiry into Mr Finucane's death.
"Given the Finucane family's experience of the criminal justice and policing systems over the past 15 years they have always been convinced that this would be the only avenue to get to the truth," the West Belfast MP said.
"Sinn Féin will continue to support the Finucane family and the other families of those murdered by the British State through its policy of state sanctioned murder in their search for the truth.”
Mr Finucane's widow Geraldine is currently challenging the government's decision to delay a public inquiry which was recommended by retired Canadian judge Peter Cory earlier this year.
Mr Cory was appointed by the British and Irish governments in 2001 to examine allegations of collusion surrounding some of the most controversial killings of the Troubles in Northern Ireland including the Finucane case.
(MB/GMCG)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
23 February 2004
Finucane family press Stevens on murder inquiry progress
The family of murdered Belfast solicitor Pat Finucane have met with Metropolitan Police commissioner Sir John Stevens to discuss the progress of the investigation into his murder.
Finucane family press Stevens on murder inquiry progress
The family of murdered Belfast solicitor Pat Finucane have met with Metropolitan Police commissioner Sir John Stevens to discuss the progress of the investigation into his murder.
04 June 2003
Ken Barrett refused bail on Finucane murder charge
A leading loyalist accused of murdering solicitor Pat Finucane has been refused bail. Ken Barrett, 40, appeared before the High Court in Belfast today charged with killing the Catholic solicitor at his home 14 years ago. Mr Barrett, who was remanded in custody until June 27, has denied the charges put to him.
Ken Barrett refused bail on Finucane murder charge
A leading loyalist accused of murdering solicitor Pat Finucane has been refused bail. Ken Barrett, 40, appeared before the High Court in Belfast today charged with killing the Catholic solicitor at his home 14 years ago. Mr Barrett, who was remanded in custody until June 27, has denied the charges put to him.
23 September 2004
Inquiry set up into Finucane murder
The government has announced that an inquiry is to be set up into the murder of Belfast solicitor Pat Finucane. Northern Ireland Secretary Paul Murphy said a tribunal would be tasked with uncovering the full facts of the killing and that it would be given "all of the powers and resources to fulfil that task".
Inquiry set up into Finucane murder
The government has announced that an inquiry is to be set up into the murder of Belfast solicitor Pat Finucane. Northern Ireland Secretary Paul Murphy said a tribunal would be tasked with uncovering the full facts of the killing and that it would be given "all of the powers and resources to fulfil that task".
11 October 2011
Finucane Family Await Inquiry Decision
The family of murdered Belfast solicitor Pat Finucane have called for 'transparency' should an inquiry be launched into his death. "The British Government must be fully transparent if they choose to launch an inquiry into my father’s murder," said John Finucane.
Finucane Family Await Inquiry Decision
The family of murdered Belfast solicitor Pat Finucane have called for 'transparency' should an inquiry be launched into his death. "The British Government must be fully transparent if they choose to launch an inquiry into my father’s murder," said John Finucane.
02 July 2003
Finucane family welcomes European Court ruling
The family of murdered Catholic solicitor Pat Finucane has welcomed yesterday's judgement by the European Court of Human Rights that the investigation into his murder was "not effective".
Finucane family welcomes European Court ruling
The family of murdered Catholic solicitor Pat Finucane has welcomed yesterday's judgement by the European Court of Human Rights that the investigation into his murder was "not effective".
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.