Menu
21/06/2012
Last Man Sentenced To Death In UK Has Conviction Quashed
The last man in the UK to be sentenced to death has had his conviction quashed when a court heard that he confessed to the crime after being waterboarded and subjected to death threats.
His successful appeal comes 39 years after his death sentence was commuted to life imprisonment.
Liam Holden served 17 years behind bars after being convicted of being the IRA sniper who shot dead Frank Bell, a teenage member of the Parachute Regiment, in west Belfast in 1972.
Holden's conviction was quashed after the court of appeal heard that he had signed a confession only after being taken to an army base near to the scene of the shooting and subjected to waterboarding and death threats.
More significantly, inquiries by the Criminal Cases Review Commission discovered evidence that the army's practice of detaining and questioning suspects at that time was unlawful, potentially opening an avenue of appeal for other people convicted of terrorism offences during the early years of the conflict in Northern Ireland.
The lord chief justice, Declan Morgan QC, told the hearing in Belfast: "We feel that we have a sense of unease about the safety of this conviction and are minded to allow the appeal." The court's full judgment is to be given at a later date. The prosecution announced last month that it would not be opposing the appeal.
(H)
His successful appeal comes 39 years after his death sentence was commuted to life imprisonment.
Liam Holden served 17 years behind bars after being convicted of being the IRA sniper who shot dead Frank Bell, a teenage member of the Parachute Regiment, in west Belfast in 1972.
Holden's conviction was quashed after the court of appeal heard that he had signed a confession only after being taken to an army base near to the scene of the shooting and subjected to waterboarding and death threats.
More significantly, inquiries by the Criminal Cases Review Commission discovered evidence that the army's practice of detaining and questioning suspects at that time was unlawful, potentially opening an avenue of appeal for other people convicted of terrorism offences during the early years of the conflict in Northern Ireland.
The lord chief justice, Declan Morgan QC, told the hearing in Belfast: "We feel that we have a sense of unease about the safety of this conviction and are minded to allow the appeal." The court's full judgment is to be given at a later date. The prosecution announced last month that it would not be opposing the appeal.
(H)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
31 October 2019
SF: PSNI Failing Families Of Troubles Victims
Sinn Fein has accused the PSNI of continually failing the families of Troubles victims after it emerged that reports into three deaths will be delayed.
SF: PSNI Failing Families Of Troubles Victims
Sinn Fein has accused the PSNI of continually failing the families of Troubles victims after it emerged that reports into three deaths will be delayed.
19 July 2018
Belfast And L'Derry Have Highest Premature Death Rates
The SDLP has hit out after it was revealed that deprived areas in Belfast and L'Derry have the highest premature death rates. SDLP Social Justice spokesperson Nichola Mallon said the "most vulnerable in our society are being failed". She also called for a standalone Anti-Poverty Strategy.
Belfast And L'Derry Have Highest Premature Death Rates
The SDLP has hit out after it was revealed that deprived areas in Belfast and L'Derry have the highest premature death rates. SDLP Social Justice spokesperson Nichola Mallon said the "most vulnerable in our society are being failed". She also called for a standalone Anti-Poverty Strategy.
13 May 2015
Two Men Arrested Over Alleged Death Threats To Darren Kelly
Two men have been arrested over alleged death threats sent to Oldham manager Darren Kelly from Northern Ireland. Greater Manchester Police arrested a 27-year-old man and 42-year-old man on suspicion of making threats to kill. They are being detained by the police for questioning.
Two Men Arrested Over Alleged Death Threats To Darren Kelly
Two men have been arrested over alleged death threats sent to Oldham manager Darren Kelly from Northern Ireland. Greater Manchester Police arrested a 27-year-old man and 42-year-old man on suspicion of making threats to kill. They are being detained by the police for questioning.
28 July 2010
Ireland Has Highest EU Birth Rate
With the news that the EU population has surpassed 501 million, it has been revealed that the Irish Republic boasts the highest birth rate in the Union. Ireland recorded the highest natural growth in population among member states along with the lowest death rates.
Ireland Has Highest EU Birth Rate
With the news that the EU population has surpassed 501 million, it has been revealed that the Irish Republic boasts the highest birth rate in the Union. Ireland recorded the highest natural growth in population among member states along with the lowest death rates.
26 February 2009
NI Drug Deaths Double
The number of drug related deaths registered each year has more than doubled over the last decade rising from 39 deaths in 1997 to 86 last year. The 86 fatalities were registered in Northern Ireland where the cause of death was drug related, either due to legal or illegal drugs.
NI Drug Deaths Double
The number of drug related deaths registered each year has more than doubled over the last decade rising from 39 deaths in 1997 to 86 last year. The 86 fatalities were registered in Northern Ireland where the cause of death was drug related, either due to legal or illegal drugs.
-
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.
