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18/07/2014
OTR Report 'First Step In Rebuilding Justice System'
Justice Minister David Ford has said the findings of a report on the so-called 'On the Run' letters are the first steps in rebuilding confidence in the justice system.
Lady Justice Hallett has completed a review, ordered by Prime Minister David Cameron, on the so-called 'On the Run' letters. It said letters sent to wanted republican terrorist suspects did not amount to an amnesty.
The review follows the collapse of the trial of a man suspected of carrying out the 1982 IRA Hyde Park Bombing. John Downey had received notice that he was not wanted by any UK police force in relation to the bombing, but this has since been declared not to be the case. Lady Justice Hallett said the letter was the result of a "catastrophic mistake" by the PSNI.
David Ford said: "I welcome this thorough examination by Lady Justice Hallett of the so called administrative scheme and, while there are issues to be resolved, believe that the report sets out the first steps that must be taken to restore confidence in the justice system.
"Lady Justice Hallett correctly describes the administrative scheme as 'flawed' and this is what has damaged public confidence in the justice system. I am seeking assurances from the Secretary of State, the Public Prosecution Service and the PSNI that no element of the scheme still exists.
"Lady Justice Hallett has identified a further two letters sent which contained errors originating from the PSNI. The PSNI were participants in a scheme that was not properly thought through. A scheme initiated by Ministers that evolved over time with no overall ownership or accountability and for which Ministers bear responsibility. A scheme that put up barriers to prosecutions, where evidence could have been tested in open court."
(IT/MH)
Lady Justice Hallett has completed a review, ordered by Prime Minister David Cameron, on the so-called 'On the Run' letters. It said letters sent to wanted republican terrorist suspects did not amount to an amnesty.
The review follows the collapse of the trial of a man suspected of carrying out the 1982 IRA Hyde Park Bombing. John Downey had received notice that he was not wanted by any UK police force in relation to the bombing, but this has since been declared not to be the case. Lady Justice Hallett said the letter was the result of a "catastrophic mistake" by the PSNI.
David Ford said: "I welcome this thorough examination by Lady Justice Hallett of the so called administrative scheme and, while there are issues to be resolved, believe that the report sets out the first steps that must be taken to restore confidence in the justice system.
"Lady Justice Hallett correctly describes the administrative scheme as 'flawed' and this is what has damaged public confidence in the justice system. I am seeking assurances from the Secretary of State, the Public Prosecution Service and the PSNI that no element of the scheme still exists.
"Lady Justice Hallett has identified a further two letters sent which contained errors originating from the PSNI. The PSNI were participants in a scheme that was not properly thought through. A scheme initiated by Ministers that evolved over time with no overall ownership or accountability and for which Ministers bear responsibility. A scheme that put up barriers to prosecutions, where evidence could have been tested in open court."
(IT/MH)
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Chief Constable George Hamilton has said the PSNI accepts in full the recommendations laid out in a newly-published report into the 'On the Run' letters. A review has just been completed by Lady Justice Hallett that confirmed letters sent to wanted republican terrorist suspects did not amount to an amnesty.
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Chief Constable George Hamilton has said the PSNI accepts in full the recommendations laid out in a newly-published report into the 'On the Run' letters. A review has just been completed by Lady Justice Hallett that confirmed letters sent to wanted republican terrorist suspects did not amount to an amnesty.
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Women Left 'Shaken' After Shooting
The PSNI are today probing an overnight shooting in Co Londonderry. The incident was at Hawthorne Place in Coleraine and saw three masked men entering a house shortly before 5pm on Wednesday and then firing a shot into a wall in the property before the three made off.
Women Left 'Shaken' After Shooting
The PSNI are today probing an overnight shooting in Co Londonderry. The incident was at Hawthorne Place in Coleraine and saw three masked men entering a house shortly before 5pm on Wednesday and then firing a shot into a wall in the property before the three made off.
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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.
