Menu
15/01/2015
Probe Into Police Cover-Up Claims
It has been confirmed that the Director of Public Prosecutions has asked the PSNI to investigate claims regarding the alleged destruction of evidence in a case more than 30 years ago.
In November 1982, 17-year-old Michael Tighe was shot dead and 19-year-old Martin McCauley was injured when police opened fire on a hayshed, near Lurgan, Co Armagh. Following the shooting incident, three rifles were found at the scene, without ammunition, and Martin McCauley was prosecuted.
It later emerged that MI5 had placed a listening device inside the hayshed, however the tape was said to have been destroyed by a senior police officer the day after the killing. A second, unauthorised copy of the tape, was reportedly destroyed in 1985 by MI5.
However, it is understood the DPP were not aware that the tapes existed at the time of the incident. It was only in 1983, when police officers involved in the shooting were alleged to have provided false statements, an investigation was launched to establish whether police intended to shoot to kill.
McCauley's case was then examined by the criminal cases review commission and in September 2014, his conviction was quashed.
In a statement, PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Mark Hamilton, confirmed it had received a request from the Director of Public Prosecutions to investigate the allegations of destroying evidence in the case. The Director also made a referral to the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland, relating to the conduct of a number of former RUC Officers involved in the same investigation.
The Chief Constable said an external police service, and work alongside Her Majesty's Chief Inspectorate, to investigate the matter "in the interests of transparency and public confidence".
He continued: "The team will work under the direction of, and will report directly to, the Chief Constable of PSNI who will oversee the investigation and report to the Director of Public Prosecutions.
"The PSNI will also work with the Office of the Police Ombudsman to ensure that they are provided with the information they require to conduct their investigation as speedily as possible."
(JP/MH)
In November 1982, 17-year-old Michael Tighe was shot dead and 19-year-old Martin McCauley was injured when police opened fire on a hayshed, near Lurgan, Co Armagh. Following the shooting incident, three rifles were found at the scene, without ammunition, and Martin McCauley was prosecuted.
It later emerged that MI5 had placed a listening device inside the hayshed, however the tape was said to have been destroyed by a senior police officer the day after the killing. A second, unauthorised copy of the tape, was reportedly destroyed in 1985 by MI5.
However, it is understood the DPP were not aware that the tapes existed at the time of the incident. It was only in 1983, when police officers involved in the shooting were alleged to have provided false statements, an investigation was launched to establish whether police intended to shoot to kill.
McCauley's case was then examined by the criminal cases review commission and in September 2014, his conviction was quashed.
In a statement, PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Mark Hamilton, confirmed it had received a request from the Director of Public Prosecutions to investigate the allegations of destroying evidence in the case. The Director also made a referral to the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland, relating to the conduct of a number of former RUC Officers involved in the same investigation.
The Chief Constable said an external police service, and work alongside Her Majesty's Chief Inspectorate, to investigate the matter "in the interests of transparency and public confidence".
He continued: "The team will work under the direction of, and will report directly to, the Chief Constable of PSNI who will oversee the investigation and report to the Director of Public Prosecutions.
"The PSNI will also work with the Office of the Police Ombudsman to ensure that they are provided with the information they require to conduct their investigation as speedily as possible."
(JP/MH)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
23 June 2016
Police Officers Disciplined For Failing To Tell Doctor About Woman's Head Injuries
Two police officers have been disciplined after they failed to let their colleagues and a police doctor know that a woman had sustained a head injury, a Police Ombudsman investigation has concluded. The woman died from bleeding to the brain on 24 February 2014, the day after she suffered the injury.
Police Officers Disciplined For Failing To Tell Doctor About Woman's Head Injuries
Two police officers have been disciplined after they failed to let their colleagues and a police doctor know that a woman had sustained a head injury, a Police Ombudsman investigation has concluded. The woman died from bleeding to the brain on 24 February 2014, the day after she suffered the injury.
01 December 2017
Stephen Herron Named New Director Of Public Prosecutions
Mr Stephen Herron has been named the new Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). He is currently the acting Deputy Director and his appointment will come into effect on 02 January, 2018. John Larkin QC made the announcement.
Stephen Herron Named New Director Of Public Prosecutions
Mr Stephen Herron has been named the new Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). He is currently the acting Deputy Director and his appointment will come into effect on 02 January, 2018. John Larkin QC made the announcement.
17 May 2017
NI's Director Of Public Prosecutions To Step Down
Northern Ireland's Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has confirmed he is stepping down. Barra McGrory QC will step down in September this year. He was the first Catholic to hold the post of DPP when he was appointed in 2011.
NI's Director Of Public Prosecutions To Step Down
Northern Ireland's Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has confirmed he is stepping down. Barra McGrory QC will step down in September this year. He was the first Catholic to hold the post of DPP when he was appointed in 2011.
06 June 2007
Orde says 'No' to unarmed police force
At the first Policing Board meeting involving Sinn Fein, the PSNI Chief Constable was challenged today by Sinn Fein's Alex Maskey to say when an unarmed police force would patrol in Northern Ireland.
Orde says 'No' to unarmed police force
At the first Policing Board meeting involving Sinn Fein, the PSNI Chief Constable was challenged today by Sinn Fein's Alex Maskey to say when an unarmed police force would patrol in Northern Ireland.
04 September 2002
SDLP to meet police chiefs over Belfast disturbances
An SDLP delegation comprising all of its councillors and MLAs in Belfast is set to meet with police chiefs over the recent street violence in the city. The delegation will meet with Assistant Chief Constable Alan McQuillan and the four Belfast District Commanders at 6pm this evening in Castlereagh PSNI station.
SDLP to meet police chiefs over Belfast disturbances
An SDLP delegation comprising all of its councillors and MLAs in Belfast is set to meet with police chiefs over the recent street violence in the city. The delegation will meet with Assistant Chief Constable Alan McQuillan and the four Belfast District Commanders at 6pm this evening in Castlereagh PSNI station.
-
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.
