Menu
15/02/2007
Murder convictions quashed in court of appeal
Two republicans from Derry have had their convictions quashed, in Northern Ireland’s Court of Appeal.
Raymond McCartney and Eamonn MacDermott were found guilty of murdering RUC officer Detective Constable Patrick McNulty in 1979.
Both men claimed they were brutalised in police custody, and denied any involvement in the murder.
McNulty was shot dead by the IRA on the Strand Road area of the city.
The judge commented: “In both cases we are left with a distinct feeling of unease about the safety of their convictions, based as they were on admissions. The convictions must therefore be quashed.”
During the 17 years Mr McCartney spent in prison, he became the IRA’s officer commanding in the Maze and also spent 53 days on hunger strike.
“This is vindication for all those who took to the streets and marched on behalf of prisoners at that particular time,” Mr McCartney commented, outside court.
“This has to be set in the context of RUC interrogation techniques in Strand Road and Castlereagh and it also highlights the willingness of Diplock courts to take confession-type statements and send republicans to jail.”
Mr MacDermott, who spent 15 years in prison, has worked for the Derry Journal for the past ten years.
(JM)
Raymond McCartney and Eamonn MacDermott were found guilty of murdering RUC officer Detective Constable Patrick McNulty in 1979.
Both men claimed they were brutalised in police custody, and denied any involvement in the murder.
McNulty was shot dead by the IRA on the Strand Road area of the city.
The judge commented: “In both cases we are left with a distinct feeling of unease about the safety of their convictions, based as they were on admissions. The convictions must therefore be quashed.”
During the 17 years Mr McCartney spent in prison, he became the IRA’s officer commanding in the Maze and also spent 53 days on hunger strike.
“This is vindication for all those who took to the streets and marched on behalf of prisoners at that particular time,” Mr McCartney commented, outside court.
“This has to be set in the context of RUC interrogation techniques in Strand Road and Castlereagh and it also highlights the willingness of Diplock courts to take confession-type statements and send republicans to jail.”
Mr MacDermott, who spent 15 years in prison, has worked for the Derry Journal for the past ten years.
(JM)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
20 November 2024
Hydebank Wood Prison Praised For 'Model Of Excellence'
Justice Minister Naomi Long has hailed Hydebank Wood Secure College and Women's Prison as a "model of excellence and good practice" following the publication of two positive inspection reports.
Hydebank Wood Prison Praised For 'Model Of Excellence'
Justice Minister Naomi Long has hailed Hydebank Wood Secure College and Women's Prison as a "model of excellence and good practice" following the publication of two positive inspection reports.
27 April 2011
Freed Rape Suspect Sought Over Kilkeel Killing
A foreign national who embarrassed officials when he was freed by mistake from a high security jail in Co Antrim last autumn is being sought over a shock Co Down murder.
Freed Rape Suspect Sought Over Kilkeel Killing
A foreign national who embarrassed officials when he was freed by mistake from a high security jail in Co Antrim last autumn is being sought over a shock Co Down murder.
11 May 2011
Supreme Court Favours Jail Compensation
A Sinn Fein MLA and a Co Londonderry journalist have won the right to claim compensation for the time they spent in prison in the 1970s, wrongfully charged with murder. The landmark ruling by the UK Supreme Court said the test for payments to those wrongfully convicted should be redefined.
Supreme Court Favours Jail Compensation
A Sinn Fein MLA and a Co Londonderry journalist have won the right to claim compensation for the time they spent in prison in the 1970s, wrongfully charged with murder. The landmark ruling by the UK Supreme Court said the test for payments to those wrongfully convicted should be redefined.
12 January 2016
Woman Charged With Attempted Murder After Man Stabbed In Co Down
A 36-year-old woman has been charged with attempted murder after a man was stabbed in Co Down. The 54-year-old victim was stabbed in the Manor Court area in Moira on Monday. He is currently in a serious but stable condition in hospital. The woman is to appear at Craigavon Magistrates Court on Wednesday.
Woman Charged With Attempted Murder After Man Stabbed In Co Down
A 36-year-old woman has been charged with attempted murder after a man was stabbed in Co Down. The 54-year-old victim was stabbed in the Manor Court area in Moira on Monday. He is currently in a serious but stable condition in hospital. The woman is to appear at Craigavon Magistrates Court on Wednesday.
26 September 2011
False Imprisonment Case Goes To Appeal
There's an unusual development in legal affairs this week with news that the Criminal Cases Review Commission has referred two convictions to the Northern Ireland Court of Appeal. It is thought both James Martin and Veronica Ryan (formerly known as Veronica Martin) were actively 'invited' to seek the appeal.
False Imprisonment Case Goes To Appeal
There's an unusual development in legal affairs this week with news that the Criminal Cases Review Commission has referred two convictions to the Northern Ireland Court of Appeal. It is thought both James Martin and Veronica Ryan (formerly known as Veronica Martin) were actively 'invited' to seek the appeal.
-
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.
