Menu
12/05/2009
Judge Undecided On IRA Sources Case
A Belfast judge has said he is "minded" to give police permission to legally induce a reporter to reveal her dissident republican sources.
However, Judge Tom Burgess insisted no decision will be made until both sides have stated their case.
Police have said they will use all legal means to force Irish journalist Suzanne Breen to hand over material relating to the Real IRA terrorist group.
Ms Breen, the Northern Editor of the Sunday Tribune newspaper, was originally given seven days by officers to disclose source material, including notes, computer discs and phones.
She has so far declined to pass on the information, claiming her life would be a risk if she complied.
The Real IRA claimed responsibility for the murders of two soldiers (pictured here) stationed at an Antrim barracks in March this year.
Ms Breen reported on the group's involvement in the killings, after being tipped off by senior dissident republican figures.
Today in court Ms Breen's legal team said any effort to legally enforce a disclosure would contravene the European Convention of Human Rights.
Lawyers said the action would breach Ms Breen's Right to Life.
Judge Burgess said he had a completely open mind as to how the case would conclude, despite saying that if he was to make a ruling solely on the evidence put before him today, he would be minded to support the police's position.
Ms Breen's legal representatives now have a week to compile their cases against the disclosure order application, which has effectively passed its first main hurdle.
Lawyers for the journalist argued that the police case against her had been heard in private making it difficult for the team to respond.
Once both sides have stated their case the judge said he would progress the application order to a full hearing, which will be heard in public, with the exception of police evidence.
The case will be heard on 29 May.
The journalist has received support from the National Union of Journalists, which claims the court action infringes on the freedom of the press, and the SDLP.
Ms Breen has continued to insist she is not a detective, and that it is not her jobs to collect criminal evidence.
Outside court she said: "I think it is quite disgraceful this is happening in Northern Ireland in 2009 when there is meant to be a new dispensation.
"This case potentially could close down journalism."
See: Police Seek Private High Court Challenge To Journalist
(PR/BMcC)
However, Judge Tom Burgess insisted no decision will be made until both sides have stated their case.
Police have said they will use all legal means to force Irish journalist Suzanne Breen to hand over material relating to the Real IRA terrorist group.
Ms Breen, the Northern Editor of the Sunday Tribune newspaper, was originally given seven days by officers to disclose source material, including notes, computer discs and phones.
She has so far declined to pass on the information, claiming her life would be a risk if she complied.
The Real IRA claimed responsibility for the murders of two soldiers (pictured here) stationed at an Antrim barracks in March this year.
Ms Breen reported on the group's involvement in the killings, after being tipped off by senior dissident republican figures.
Today in court Ms Breen's legal team said any effort to legally enforce a disclosure would contravene the European Convention of Human Rights.
Lawyers said the action would breach Ms Breen's Right to Life.
Judge Burgess said he had a completely open mind as to how the case would conclude, despite saying that if he was to make a ruling solely on the evidence put before him today, he would be minded to support the police's position.
Ms Breen's legal representatives now have a week to compile their cases against the disclosure order application, which has effectively passed its first main hurdle.
Lawyers for the journalist argued that the police case against her had been heard in private making it difficult for the team to respond.
Once both sides have stated their case the judge said he would progress the application order to a full hearing, which will be heard in public, with the exception of police evidence.
The case will be heard on 29 May.
The journalist has received support from the National Union of Journalists, which claims the court action infringes on the freedom of the press, and the SDLP.
Ms Breen has continued to insist she is not a detective, and that it is not her jobs to collect criminal evidence.
Outside court she said: "I think it is quite disgraceful this is happening in Northern Ireland in 2009 when there is meant to be a new dispensation.
"This case potentially could close down journalism."
See: Police Seek Private High Court Challenge To Journalist
(PR/BMcC)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
08 August 2001
Police Ombudsman Office increase staff
The Police Ombudsman’s Office has increased its investigation staff to bring the number of people working on its complaints and investigations to more than 70. The Office announced the news as it released its Corporate Plan for the year ahead. The Plan is the first such document from the organisation, which was formed in November last year.
Police Ombudsman Office increase staff
The Police Ombudsman’s Office has increased its investigation staff to bring the number of people working on its complaints and investigations to more than 70. The Office announced the news as it released its Corporate Plan for the year ahead. The Plan is the first such document from the organisation, which was formed in November last year.
15 October 2009
Website Focuses On Workplace Safety
The NI Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster has launched a new website, to help small businesses manage their workplace health and safety - and especially those in the construction sector.
Website Focuses On Workplace Safety
The NI Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster has launched a new website, to help small businesses manage their workplace health and safety - and especially those in the construction sector.
02 March 2004
Boxing champ suffers broken leg in attack
WBU welterweight boxing champion, Eamonn Magee has had his leg broken in an attack in Belfast. The 32-year-old west Belfast man was dragged from his car and attacked by a gang of men at the weekend. He suffered a compound fracture of the tibia and fibula as well as a possible punctured lung during the incident.
Boxing champ suffers broken leg in attack
WBU welterweight boxing champion, Eamonn Magee has had his leg broken in an attack in Belfast. The 32-year-old west Belfast man was dragged from his car and attacked by a gang of men at the weekend. He suffered a compound fracture of the tibia and fibula as well as a possible punctured lung during the incident.
01 March 2024
Latest Hospital Waiting Times Show Scale Of The Crisis
The latest hospital waiting lists show the scale of the crisis and demonstrate the need for multi-year funding, Health Minister Robin Swann has said.
Latest Hospital Waiting Times Show Scale Of The Crisis
The latest hospital waiting lists show the scale of the crisis and demonstrate the need for multi-year funding, Health Minister Robin Swann has said.
02 March 2022
16 New Nurture Groups To Be Established Across NI
Funding of £3 million has been announced to establish 16 new Nurture Groups across Northern Ireland by Education Minister Michelle McIlveen. The new Nurture Groups will be established in primary schools as part of the Fair Start Action Plan; work has already started.
16 New Nurture Groups To Be Established Across NI
Funding of £3 million has been announced to establish 16 new Nurture Groups across Northern Ireland by Education Minister Michelle McIlveen. The new Nurture Groups will be established in primary schools as part of the Fair Start Action Plan; work has already started.
-
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.
