Policing Board respond to Ombudsman report

Following the release of yesterday's Police Ombudsman report into the attempted murder of Gerald McRandall in Larne in 2002, Ombudsman report the Chairman of the Northern Ireland Policing Board, Professor Sir Desmond Rea today responded to Mrs O'Loan's findings.

He said: “A copy of this report will be circulated to all Board Members. The Board will no doubt note Mrs O’Loan’s statement that ‘While many aspects of the police investigation were conducted with due rigour, the initial police response was inadequate and a number of serious investigative errors occurred.'"

The Board also noted Mrs O’Loan’s recommendations made to the PSNI as a result of the investigation, including that it should; ensure that major investigation teams are fully staffed with suitably trained officers; conduct pre-trial reviews in major cases such as this; review their use of the witness protection scheme to identify learning for future cases; reassure the McRandal family that the investigation into the attack is still live.”

Professor Rea continued: “It is important that the community has confidence in the PSNI to deliver an effective and efficient police service. The Board will therefore carefully consider the Ombudsman’s report and seek a detailed response from the Chief Constable at its next meeting.”

Yesterday, the Police Ombudsman's report was released, stating that investigative errors and a lack of police officers in Larne on the evening of October 23, 2002 led to significant failings in the police investigation into the attempted murder of Gerald McRandal.

At the time, two men were subsequently charged with his attempted murder, however, their trial collapsed in January 2004, after eight witnesses withdrew statements, and the failure of a police officer to disclose an unofficial notebook she had used on the night of the attack.

The report also said that the initial police response was inadequate and a number of serious investigative errors occurred, in particular, the failure to cordon off and protect the scene following the attack was a major failing and rendered any evidence from the scene "virtually worthless."

Mrs O'Loan recommended that one police officer be disciplined, that another should receive additional training, and she also made a series of recommendations to the PSNI in respect of the failures in the investigation.

(EF/SP)