Stevens Report into collusion is delayed

It has emerged that the publication of Sir John Stevens' report into alleged collusion between paramilitaries and security services has been delayed by six months.

Sir John Stevens was scheduled to present the findings of his report to the November session of the Northern Ireland Policing Board, but this has now been delayed until spring 2003. The report has been delayed to allow further interviews to be conducted.

When it is presented the report will be the third to be undertaken by Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir John Stevens into alleged collusion between the Special Branch and UDA over the murder of Catholic solicitor Pat Finucane in 1989. It has been alleged that Special Branch and the British military's Force Research Unit, who were running agents within the UDA, connived in selecting the victim as a target and allowing the hit team in and out of the area after the killing was carried out.

Only one person has been charged in connection with the murder. William Stobie, who was working as a police informer at the time, was the UDA quartermaster that supplied the weapons used in the murder. He was murdered by the paramilitary organisation last year outside his flat in north Belfast two weeks after a trial into his involvement in the killing was discontinued.

Commenting on this latest development, Board Chairman, Professor Desmond Rea, said: “Sir John confirmed to me that as a result of the continuing investigation a number of further inquiries are being made and that he would not deliver the report until these were fully completed.

“I can confirm that the Board has had substantive discussions with the Chief Constable on the issue of the management and dissemination of intelligence between Special Branch and other parts of the service. Given his previous job with the Stevens team, he is well versed on the key issues.

The Board's independent review into Special Branch will be presented to the November meeting and any issues arising from this report will be given "the Board’s full consideration and where necessary, urgently addressed with the Chief Constable".

The SDLP's policing spokesman, Alex Attwood, said it was "disappointing" that the report had been delayed.

"The rapid publication of the Stephen's Report is vital and if anybody has failed to cooperate they should be named, shamed and, if necessary, prosecuted," he said.

Mr Attwood said that as the co-author of the Stevens Report, Hugh Orde, was now PSNI chief constable, "we now have the real opportunity to ensure accountability and transparency in intelligence gathering once and for all".

(GMcG)