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07/03/2003
Murdered LVF chief's father fails in legal bid
David Wright has had a legal bid to gain access to police files into the murder of his son – LVF chief Billy Wright – turned down at the High Court in Belfast today.
In his ruling, Mr Justice Kerr found that while Mr Wright should expect a thorough investigation into the circumstances of his son's murder, he was not entitled to view the police files.
Billy Wright, head of the mid-Ulster-based LVF, was shot dead on December 27 1997 in the Maze Prison by convicted INLA gunman Christopher 'Crip' McWilliams and two accomplices as he was moved from his cell.
Canadian judge, Peter Cory, was subsequently appointed last June to consider allegations of collusion involving Gardai, RUC and British intelligence services relating to six murders – including that of Billy Wright.
Judge Cory will assess each case on whether an independent public inquiry is merited.
The Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission (NIHRC) has also questioned how the gun used in the murder was brought into the Maze Prison and how the killers were able to gain access to the area where Wright was killed without being detected.
Justice Kerr said that if Judge Cory's inquiry reveals gaps in the police investigation, then the files should be made public.
(GMcG)
In his ruling, Mr Justice Kerr found that while Mr Wright should expect a thorough investigation into the circumstances of his son's murder, he was not entitled to view the police files.
Billy Wright, head of the mid-Ulster-based LVF, was shot dead on December 27 1997 in the Maze Prison by convicted INLA gunman Christopher 'Crip' McWilliams and two accomplices as he was moved from his cell.
Canadian judge, Peter Cory, was subsequently appointed last June to consider allegations of collusion involving Gardai, RUC and British intelligence services relating to six murders – including that of Billy Wright.
Judge Cory will assess each case on whether an independent public inquiry is merited.
The Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission (NIHRC) has also questioned how the gun used in the murder was brought into the Maze Prison and how the killers were able to gain access to the area where Wright was killed without being detected.
Justice Kerr said that if Judge Cory's inquiry reveals gaps in the police investigation, then the files should be made public.
(GMcG)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A largely cloudy day with occasional rain. Turning drier and brighter for a time in the afternoon and feeling very mild. Light southerly winds becoming strong with gales later along the County Down coast. Maximum temperature 13 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with outbreaks of rain, these heavy at times. Strong southerly winds, with gales in the evening across eastern counties, becoming westerly later. Minimum temperature 8 °C.
