Menu
10/09/2010
IRA Boss Wins Damages
An IRA jail 'commander' who was in charge when 38 inmates staged a mass breakout from the former Maze prison has been awarded substantial damages over his prosecution for the kidnap of supermarket boss Don Tidey.
Belfast man Brendan 'Bik' McFarlane was today handed €15,000 having been cleared in Dublin's Special Criminal Court in 2008 on false imprisonment and firearms possession charges in relation to the businessman's 23-day hostage ordeal in 1983.
The court ruled in favour of the former IRA commander in the Maze and found the 10-and-a-half-year wait from his arrest in 1998 until he walked free was excessive.
The European court ordered the State to pay Mr McFarlane €5,500 damages and €10,000 costs and expenses.
He said the authorities delayed bringing criminal proceedings and because of this key prosecution evidence was lost and there was a lack of evidence other than questionable police interviews.
He also claimed his arrest and detention was a deliberate and disproportionate interference with his private and family life and that there was no effective remedy under Irish law for his grievances.
In a 60-page judgment, the Strasbourg court also ruled there was no suitable legal avenue in Ireland for Mr McFarlane to deal with his grievances.
Mr McFarlane was accused of kidnapping Mr Tidey after going on the run following the Maze prison escape in 1983. He denied any involvement.
(BMcC/KMcA)
Belfast man Brendan 'Bik' McFarlane was today handed €15,000 having been cleared in Dublin's Special Criminal Court in 2008 on false imprisonment and firearms possession charges in relation to the businessman's 23-day hostage ordeal in 1983.
The court ruled in favour of the former IRA commander in the Maze and found the 10-and-a-half-year wait from his arrest in 1998 until he walked free was excessive.
The European court ordered the State to pay Mr McFarlane €5,500 damages and €10,000 costs and expenses.
He said the authorities delayed bringing criminal proceedings and because of this key prosecution evidence was lost and there was a lack of evidence other than questionable police interviews.
He also claimed his arrest and detention was a deliberate and disproportionate interference with his private and family life and that there was no effective remedy under Irish law for his grievances.
In a 60-page judgment, the Strasbourg court also ruled there was no suitable legal avenue in Ireland for Mr McFarlane to deal with his grievances.
Mr McFarlane was accused of kidnapping Mr Tidey after going on the run following the Maze prison escape in 1983. He denied any involvement.
(BMcC/KMcA)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
25 November 2024
Man Jailed In Connection With Annahilt Cannabis Farm
The PSNI has welcomed the sentencing of a man at Craigavon Crown Court in connection with a cannabis farm disovered in Annahilt in February, 2023. Clive Weir, from the Annahilt area, was sentenced to 18 months in prison and 18 months on licence.
Man Jailed In Connection With Annahilt Cannabis Farm
The PSNI has welcomed the sentencing of a man at Craigavon Crown Court in connection with a cannabis farm disovered in Annahilt in February, 2023. Clive Weir, from the Annahilt area, was sentenced to 18 months in prison and 18 months on licence.
26 June 2008
Ex-IRA Chief's Trial Collapses After Ruling
The trial of a former IRA chief, Brendan 'Bic' McFarlane, on kidnap charges has collapsed since the Special Criminal Court ruled incriminating statements he allegedly made cannot be used in evidence.
Ex-IRA Chief's Trial Collapses After Ruling
The trial of a former IRA chief, Brendan 'Bic' McFarlane, on kidnap charges has collapsed since the Special Criminal Court ruled incriminating statements he allegedly made cannot be used in evidence.
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.
11 January 2013
Omagh Bomb Men Seek To Overturn Ruling
Two men held responsible for the Omagh bombing in 1998 are seeking to have the ruling overturned by the European Court of Human Rights. Jailed Real IRA leader Michael McKevitt and Liam Campbell are to challenge the ruling, due reportedly to their lawyers’ inability to cross-examine an FBI spy whose evidence was central to the case against them.
Omagh Bomb Men Seek To Overturn Ruling
Two men held responsible for the Omagh bombing in 1998 are seeking to have the ruling overturned by the European Court of Human Rights. Jailed Real IRA leader Michael McKevitt and Liam Campbell are to challenge the ruling, due reportedly to their lawyers’ inability to cross-examine an FBI spy whose evidence was central to the case against them.
04 June 2015
Jean McConville Murder: Prosecution To Proceed
The prosecution of a veteran republican accused in connection with the murder of Jean McConville is to go ahead. Following many court extensions to consider their case, prosecutors are to decide today, Thursday, if they will be pursuing a case against Ivor Bell, 78.
Jean McConville Murder: Prosecution To Proceed
The prosecution of a veteran republican accused in connection with the murder of Jean McConville is to go ahead. Following many court extensions to consider their case, prosecutors are to decide today, Thursday, if they will be pursuing a case against Ivor Bell, 78.
-
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.
