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25/04/2007
Investigation into Ombudsman leak claims
Allegations that the Northern Ireland Police Ombudsman’s office has broken the law by leaking sensitive security information to journalists have been investigated.
The PSNI have confirmed the allegations made by retired officers have been launched relating to a report on collusion earlier this year.
Nuala O’Loan’s report found Special Branch had colluded with UVF members in north Belfast who killed up to 16 people.
However, the Retired Police Officer’s Association (RPOA) has claimed the highly confidential information of the investigation was leaked to reporters.
They have said this was a breach of legal restrictions on disclosure.
A spokesman for the Ombudsman rejected any suggestion of a breach, saying: “We are aware a complaint has been made. The Police Ombudsman has a duty to inform the public about the findings of her investigations and to ensure public awareness.
“We have absolutely no reason to believe that anyone, while performing those duties, has breached the law.”
Last month the RPOA branded the report as “error riddled” and demanded a retraction.
However, Ms O’Loan refused, saying her report was “soundly evidence based” and she was standing by it.
The Ombudsman has been made aware of the PSNI preliminary investigation.
(JM/KMcA)
The PSNI have confirmed the allegations made by retired officers have been launched relating to a report on collusion earlier this year.
Nuala O’Loan’s report found Special Branch had colluded with UVF members in north Belfast who killed up to 16 people.
However, the Retired Police Officer’s Association (RPOA) has claimed the highly confidential information of the investigation was leaked to reporters.
They have said this was a breach of legal restrictions on disclosure.
A spokesman for the Ombudsman rejected any suggestion of a breach, saying: “We are aware a complaint has been made. The Police Ombudsman has a duty to inform the public about the findings of her investigations and to ensure public awareness.
“We have absolutely no reason to believe that anyone, while performing those duties, has breached the law.”
Last month the RPOA branded the report as “error riddled” and demanded a retraction.
However, Ms O’Loan refused, saying her report was “soundly evidence based” and she was standing by it.
The Ombudsman has been made aware of the PSNI preliminary investigation.
(JM/KMcA)
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