Menu
10/11/2009
Protection For NI Judges Increased
Armed police are protecting some of Ulster's top judges around the clock amid a heightened threat from dissident republicans, it has been revealed.
Security measures were stepped-up last month after terrorists managed to track down the location of a serving judge and his wife, who were dining in Limavady.
The pair escaped from the restaurant unharmed before police arrived at the scene.
However, the incident prompted a senior member of the judiciary to write to colleagues warning them of the threat's 'upwards trajectory'.
Dozens of judge have now had their 24-hour armed protection restored, with other members of the judiciary being advised to only leave their homes when accompanied by security personnel.
It is believed 70 full-time PSNI officers have been drafted in to provide close protection to senior court staff.
Security guidance has also been issued to lower-profiled judiciary workers.
Last week the Independent Monitoring Commission said the threat posed by dissidents was at its highest in six years.
A report by the commission suggested Real IRA and Continuity IRA members were coordinating efforts, with the help of experienced former-Provos.
In March, Real IRA gunmen opened fire outside an Antrim army barrack killing two soldiers.
Sappers Mark Quinsey, 23, and Patrick Azimkar, 21, had stepped out of the Massereene base to collect pizzas.
Less than 48 hours later a Continuity IRA sniper killed a serving policeman in Craigavon. Constable Stephen Paul Carroll became the first fatality of a sustained campaign by dissidents to murder a PSNI officer.
Over a dozen other assassination attempts have been made against serving constables since.
Three judges were murdered during the 1970s and 1980s by the IRA. Rory Conaghan in 1974, William Doyle in 1983 and Lord Justice Sir Maurice Gibson in 1987.
Terrorist gunmen also killed Lord Justice Gibson's wife Cecily, and Mary Travers - the daughter of Judge William Travers, who was fired upon while leaving a Catholic church.
Resident magistrate William Staunton was murdered by the IRA in 1972, followed by the killing of magistrate Robert McBirney two years later.
(PR/GK)
Security measures were stepped-up last month after terrorists managed to track down the location of a serving judge and his wife, who were dining in Limavady.
The pair escaped from the restaurant unharmed before police arrived at the scene.
However, the incident prompted a senior member of the judiciary to write to colleagues warning them of the threat's 'upwards trajectory'.
Dozens of judge have now had their 24-hour armed protection restored, with other members of the judiciary being advised to only leave their homes when accompanied by security personnel.
It is believed 70 full-time PSNI officers have been drafted in to provide close protection to senior court staff.
Security guidance has also been issued to lower-profiled judiciary workers.
Last week the Independent Monitoring Commission said the threat posed by dissidents was at its highest in six years.
A report by the commission suggested Real IRA and Continuity IRA members were coordinating efforts, with the help of experienced former-Provos.
In March, Real IRA gunmen opened fire outside an Antrim army barrack killing two soldiers.
Sappers Mark Quinsey, 23, and Patrick Azimkar, 21, had stepped out of the Massereene base to collect pizzas.
Less than 48 hours later a Continuity IRA sniper killed a serving policeman in Craigavon. Constable Stephen Paul Carroll became the first fatality of a sustained campaign by dissidents to murder a PSNI officer.
Over a dozen other assassination attempts have been made against serving constables since.
Three judges were murdered during the 1970s and 1980s by the IRA. Rory Conaghan in 1974, William Doyle in 1983 and Lord Justice Sir Maurice Gibson in 1987.
Terrorist gunmen also killed Lord Justice Gibson's wife Cecily, and Mary Travers - the daughter of Judge William Travers, who was fired upon while leaving a Catholic church.
Resident magistrate William Staunton was murdered by the IRA in 1972, followed by the killing of magistrate Robert McBirney two years later.
(PR/GK)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
14 November 2024
Minister Reacts To Teachers' Union Ballot Threat
Education Minister Paul Givan has responded to the announcement by several teachers' unions that they plan to ballot their members for industrial action over 2024/25 pay. Earlier this year, the Minister provided funding to successfully resolve the long-running industrial dispute over teachers' pay for 2021-24.
Minister Reacts To Teachers' Union Ballot Threat
Education Minister Paul Givan has responded to the announcement by several teachers' unions that they plan to ballot their members for industrial action over 2024/25 pay. Earlier this year, the Minister provided funding to successfully resolve the long-running industrial dispute over teachers' pay for 2021-24.
04 November 2009
Dissident Threat Heightens
The Real and Continuity IRA are working together, with help from experienced former Provisionals, to mount attacks against Northern Ireland security personnel, a report published today has claimed.
Dissident Threat Heightens
The Real and Continuity IRA are working together, with help from experienced former Provisionals, to mount attacks against Northern Ireland security personnel, a report published today has claimed.
22 January 2002
Man found guilty of conspiring to cause Omagh Real IRA bomb
Dublin’s Special Criminal Court has found the only person charged in connection with the Omagh bombing guilty. Colm Murphy, 49, was found guilty of conspiring to cause the Omagh bomb by three judges sitting without a jury on Tuesday, January 23.
Man found guilty of conspiring to cause Omagh Real IRA bomb
Dublin’s Special Criminal Court has found the only person charged in connection with the Omagh bombing guilty. Colm Murphy, 49, was found guilty of conspiring to cause the Omagh bomb by three judges sitting without a jury on Tuesday, January 23.
10 February 2012
Dissident Republican Gets 25 Years
A dissident republican convicted of killing two British soldiers has been ordered to serve a minimum of 25 years. Brian Shivers, 46, was sentenced at Belfast Crown Court this morning. The cystic fibrosis sufferer from Londonderry has an estimated four to five years to live.
Dissident Republican Gets 25 Years
A dissident republican convicted of killing two British soldiers has been ordered to serve a minimum of 25 years. Brian Shivers, 46, was sentenced at Belfast Crown Court this morning. The cystic fibrosis sufferer from Londonderry has an estimated four to five years to live.
17 May 2005
Police question man in connection with Omagh bombing
A man from the Armagh area has been arrested in connection with police inquiries into the 1998 Omagh bombing. A police spokesperson said that the 37-year-old who was arrested today is being questioned at Antrim police station. Earlier this month, police charged Sean Gerard Hoey, 35, from south Armagh with murder in connection with the bombing.
Police question man in connection with Omagh bombing
A man from the Armagh area has been arrested in connection with police inquiries into the 1998 Omagh bombing. A police spokesperson said that the 37-year-old who was arrested today is being questioned at Antrim police station. Earlier this month, police charged Sean Gerard Hoey, 35, from south Armagh with murder in connection with the bombing.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
