Menu
08/07/2011
Victim's Family 'Unhappy' With Murder Inquiry
The family of a young mother who was shot dead by the IRA thirty years ago have expressed their concerns about the inquiry into her murder.
Joanne Mathers, a 29-year-old mother-of-one, was shot dead as she collected census forms in the Waterside area of Londonderry in 1981.
A fresh investigation into her murder was launched in March by the Historical Enquiries Team (HET), after Mrs Mathers' husband made an appeal for the case to be reopened.
Her family said they were unhappy with how the investigation by the Historical Enquiries Team (HET) has been handled.
DUP MP Gregory Campbell, who has been supporting the family, said that they had asked him to contact the HET on their behalf. Mr Campbell told reporters that the family had asked the HET a number of questions on topics including the questioning of certain people and if there had been an attempt to get exhibits from the time the shooting occurred, which had all received negative responses.
The MP also said that the family had wanted the HET to question Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness about the case.
Responding to the comments, a Sinn Fein spokesperson said that the case showed the need for an Independent International Truth Commission: "Republicans are very conscious of the hurt and suffering which has been caused through conflict in our country. Sinn Féin believes that there needs to be an effective process for dealing with all legacy issues. Therefore, we believe that the British and Irish governments should invite a reputable and independent international body to establish an Independent International Truth Commission."
A spokesperson for the HET said that they did comment on specific cases. They also said that they worked with families on a confidential basis and would publish a comprehensive report detailing its findings at the conclusion of the review process.
(KMcA/GK)
Joanne Mathers, a 29-year-old mother-of-one, was shot dead as she collected census forms in the Waterside area of Londonderry in 1981.
A fresh investigation into her murder was launched in March by the Historical Enquiries Team (HET), after Mrs Mathers' husband made an appeal for the case to be reopened.
Her family said they were unhappy with how the investigation by the Historical Enquiries Team (HET) has been handled.
DUP MP Gregory Campbell, who has been supporting the family, said that they had asked him to contact the HET on their behalf. Mr Campbell told reporters that the family had asked the HET a number of questions on topics including the questioning of certain people and if there had been an attempt to get exhibits from the time the shooting occurred, which had all received negative responses.
The MP also said that the family had wanted the HET to question Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness about the case.
Responding to the comments, a Sinn Fein spokesperson said that the case showed the need for an Independent International Truth Commission: "Republicans are very conscious of the hurt and suffering which has been caused through conflict in our country. Sinn Féin believes that there needs to be an effective process for dealing with all legacy issues. Therefore, we believe that the British and Irish governments should invite a reputable and independent international body to establish an Independent International Truth Commission."
A spokesperson for the HET said that they did comment on specific cases. They also said that they worked with families on a confidential basis and would publish a comprehensive report detailing its findings at the conclusion of the review process.
(KMcA/GK)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
21 August 2018
Over 500 Attend Farm First Aid Awareness Training
More than 500 farm family members and employees have attended First Aid Awareness training since March 2018, as part of the Farm Family Key Skills (FFKS) scheme. Up to 100 accidents which need medical attention occur each month on Northern Ireland farms.
Over 500 Attend Farm First Aid Awareness Training
More than 500 farm family members and employees have attended First Aid Awareness training since March 2018, as part of the Farm Family Key Skills (FFKS) scheme. Up to 100 accidents which need medical attention occur each month on Northern Ireland farms.
27 July 2009
'Deep Regret' Over NI Checkpoint Death
The British government has expressed its "deep regret" at the death of Aiden McAnespie, who was shot at an army checkpoint in Co Tyrone, 21 years ago. Mr McAnespie, 24, was shot by a soldier as he walked through a border checkpoint at Aughnacloy in February 1998.
'Deep Regret' Over NI Checkpoint Death
The British government has expressed its "deep regret" at the death of Aiden McAnespie, who was shot at an army checkpoint in Co Tyrone, 21 years ago. Mr McAnespie, 24, was shot by a soldier as he walked through a border checkpoint at Aughnacloy in February 1998.
02 July 2003
Finucane family welcomes European Court ruling
The family of murdered Catholic solicitor Pat Finucane has welcomed yesterday's judgement by the European Court of Human Rights that the investigation into his murder was "not effective".
Finucane family welcomes European Court ruling
The family of murdered Catholic solicitor Pat Finucane has welcomed yesterday's judgement by the European Court of Human Rights that the investigation into his murder was "not effective".
27 September 2012
RUC Did Not Do Enough: HET
A report into the shooting of two men by the UVF 20 years ago has concluded the RUC did not do enough to prevent their murders, according to the BBC. Kevin McKearney and his uncle Jack McKearney were shot by loyalist paramilitaries at their family shop in County Tyrone in 1992.
RUC Did Not Do Enough: HET
A report into the shooting of two men by the UVF 20 years ago has concluded the RUC did not do enough to prevent their murders, according to the BBC. Kevin McKearney and his uncle Jack McKearney were shot by loyalist paramilitaries at their family shop in County Tyrone in 1992.
18 November 2024
Other News In Brief
Two Arrested After Dangerous Driving Incident In North Belfast Two men have been arrested following a dangerous driving incident in north Belfast in the early hours of Monday, November 18th. The incident began on the Whitewell Road, where a car was observed driving erratically.
Other News In Brief
Two Arrested After Dangerous Driving Incident In North Belfast Two men have been arrested following a dangerous driving incident in north Belfast in the early hours of Monday, November 18th. The incident began on the Whitewell Road, where a car was observed driving erratically.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and 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.
