Menu
16/09/2004
Barrett gets life sentence for Finucane murder
Loyalist killer Ken Barrett has been sentenced to 22 years in jail for the murder of Catholic solicitor Pat Finucane at his north Belfast home in February 1989.
Mr Barrett entered a guilty plea at the beginning of his trial in the Crown Court in Belfast on Monday, having denied the murder at previous hearings.
During sentence proceedings at Belfast Crown Court on Thursday Mr Justice Weir described Mr Finucane's murder as "cruel and callous". "I have searched in vain for any semblance of genuine remorse in your various accounts of your participation in this crime contained in the court papers and have found, on the contrary, only boastful expressions of self satisfaction," Mr Justice Weir said.
Following Thursday's court sentencing Mr Justice Weir conceded that Barrett could be free within months under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement, but said that this was "entirely outside the control of the Criminal Courts".
Mr Finucane's murder has remained one of the most controversial killings in the history of the Troubles because of the allegations of collusion between loyalist paramilitaries and members of the security forces.
His widow Geraldine has challenged the government's decision to delay a public inquiry into her husband's death. The inquiry was recommended by retired Canadian judge Peter Cory earlier this year.
(MMCG/MB)
Mr Barrett entered a guilty plea at the beginning of his trial in the Crown Court in Belfast on Monday, having denied the murder at previous hearings.
During sentence proceedings at Belfast Crown Court on Thursday Mr Justice Weir described Mr Finucane's murder as "cruel and callous". "I have searched in vain for any semblance of genuine remorse in your various accounts of your participation in this crime contained in the court papers and have found, on the contrary, only boastful expressions of self satisfaction," Mr Justice Weir said.
Following Thursday's court sentencing Mr Justice Weir conceded that Barrett could be free within months under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement, but said that this was "entirely outside the control of the Criminal Courts".
Mr Finucane's murder has remained one of the most controversial killings in the history of the Troubles because of the allegations of collusion between loyalist paramilitaries and members of the security forces.
His widow Geraldine has challenged the government's decision to delay a public inquiry into her husband's death. The inquiry was recommended by retired Canadian judge Peter Cory earlier this year.
(MMCG/MB)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
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".
30 May 2003
Barrett denies Finucane murder charge
A leading loyalist has pleaded not guilty in court today after he was charged with the murder of Catholic solicitor Pat Finucane 14 years ago. Ken Barrett, 40, appeared before Belfast Magistrates Court faced with a number of charges including the shooting of Mr Finucane in front of his wife and children at their Belfast home.
Barrett denies Finucane murder charge
A leading loyalist has pleaded not guilty in court today after he was charged with the murder of Catholic solicitor Pat Finucane 14 years ago. Ken Barrett, 40, appeared before Belfast Magistrates Court faced with a number of charges including the shooting of Mr Finucane in front of his wife and children at their Belfast home.
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.
12 January 2016
Woman Charged With Attempted Murder After Man Stabbed In Co Down
A 36-year-old woman has been charged with attempted murder after a man was stabbed in Co Down. The 54-year-old victim was stabbed in the Manor Court area in Moira on Monday. He is currently in a serious but stable condition in hospital. The woman is to appear at Craigavon Magistrates Court on Wednesday.
Woman Charged With Attempted Murder After Man Stabbed In Co Down
A 36-year-old woman has been charged with attempted murder after a man was stabbed in Co Down. The 54-year-old victim was stabbed in the Manor Court area in Moira on Monday. He is currently in a serious but stable condition in hospital. The woman is to appear at Craigavon Magistrates Court on Wednesday.
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.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Another cloudy and mild night with the odd spot of light drizzle. More widespread outbreaks of rain will spread southeast into western parts of Tyrone, Fermanagh and Derry late in the night. Minimum temperature 8 °C.
