Menu
19/04/2005
Inquiry into Nelson murder opens
An inquiry has opened into the controversial murder of Northern Ireland solicitor Rosemary Nelson.
Mrs Nelson was killed after loyalists planted a booby-trap bomb underneath her car outside her Lurgan home in March 1999.
Allegations have been made that police ignored death threats against Mrs Nelson.
Today’s inquiry, which opened at Craigavon’s Civic Centre, will be chaired by retired judge Sir Michael Morland alongside ex-chief constable of South Wales, Sir Anthony Burden, and Dame Valerie Strachan, former chair of the board of Customs and Excise.
The inquiry terms of reference will “inquire into the death of Rosemary Nelson with a view to determining whether any wrongful act or omission by or within the Royal Ulster Constabulary, Northern Ireland Office, Army or other state agency facilitated her death or obstructed the investigation of it, or whether any such act or omission was intentional or negligent; whether the investigation of her death was carried out with due diligence; and to make recommendation”.
Mrs Nelson came to prominence in the early 1990’s when she represented high profile cases such as the Catholic residents of the Garvaghy Road during the Drumcree dispute.
The death of the mother of three was claimed by loyalist splinter group, the Red Hand Defenders, however rumours persist that security force collusion enabled the killing to take place.
(MB/GB)
Mrs Nelson was killed after loyalists planted a booby-trap bomb underneath her car outside her Lurgan home in March 1999.
Allegations have been made that police ignored death threats against Mrs Nelson.
Today’s inquiry, which opened at Craigavon’s Civic Centre, will be chaired by retired judge Sir Michael Morland alongside ex-chief constable of South Wales, Sir Anthony Burden, and Dame Valerie Strachan, former chair of the board of Customs and Excise.
The inquiry terms of reference will “inquire into the death of Rosemary Nelson with a view to determining whether any wrongful act or omission by or within the Royal Ulster Constabulary, Northern Ireland Office, Army or other state agency facilitated her death or obstructed the investigation of it, or whether any such act or omission was intentional or negligent; whether the investigation of her death was carried out with due diligence; and to make recommendation”.
Mrs Nelson came to prominence in the early 1990’s when she represented high profile cases such as the Catholic residents of the Garvaghy Road during the Drumcree dispute.
The death of the mother of three was claimed by loyalist splinter group, the Red Hand Defenders, however rumours persist that security force collusion enabled the killing to take place.
(MB/GB)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
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.
07 June 2002
NIHRC supports Rosemary Nelson inquiry campaign
The Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission (NIHRC) has called for an independent public inquiry into the murder of solicitor Rosemary Nelson. The Commission said it was calling for an independent inquiry into Mrs Nelson’s murder because it believed it was the process most likely to arrive at the truth.
NIHRC supports Rosemary Nelson inquiry campaign
The Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission (NIHRC) has called for an independent public inquiry into the murder of solicitor Rosemary Nelson. The Commission said it was calling for an independent inquiry into Mrs Nelson’s murder because it believed it was the process most likely to arrive at the truth.
22 November 2024
Alliance 'Deeply Concerned' Over Pace Of HIA Redress Scheme
The Alliance Party has raised concerns over the rate of progress on the redress scheme for Historical Institutional Abuse of children. The party's Executive Office spokesperson, Paula Bradshaw MLA, has called on the First and deputy First Minister (FMdFM) must meet victims and survivors urgently over memorialisation and other issues.
Alliance 'Deeply Concerned' Over Pace Of HIA Redress Scheme
The Alliance Party has raised concerns over the rate of progress on the redress scheme for Historical Institutional Abuse of children. The party's Executive Office spokesperson, Paula Bradshaw MLA, has called on the First and deputy First Minister (FMdFM) must meet victims and survivors urgently over memorialisation and other issues.
20 January 2009
Flanagan 'Unaware' Of Nelson Special Branch Files
Former RUC boss Ronnie Flanagan has told an inquiry into the death of Rosemary Nelson that he had no knowledge of any Special Branch files on the prominent solicitor, and denied ever referring to her as a 'immoral woman'.
Flanagan 'Unaware' Of Nelson Special Branch Files
Former RUC boss Ronnie Flanagan has told an inquiry into the death of Rosemary Nelson that he had no knowledge of any Special Branch files on the prominent solicitor, and denied ever referring to her as a 'immoral woman'.
14 March 2003
NIHRC call for public inquiry into Nelson murder
Ahead of the fourth anniversary of the murder of human rights lawyer Rosemary Nelson, the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission has re-stated its call for a public inquiry into the killing. In a statement today, the Commission said it "regrets very much" that police inquires have so far not resulted in anyone being charged over the murder.
NIHRC call for public inquiry into Nelson murder
Ahead of the fourth anniversary of the murder of human rights lawyer Rosemary Nelson, the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission has re-stated its call for a public inquiry into the killing. In a statement today, the Commission said it "regrets very much" that police inquires have so far not resulted in anyone being charged over the murder.
-
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.
