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14/11/2002
Stevens team arrests man over Finucane killing
A man has been arrested by officers investigating the murder of Belfast solicitor Pat Finucane who was shot dead by UDA gunmen in 1989.
The 38-year-old was arrested at his west Belfast home this morning by officers from the Stevens Inquiry team and is now being held for questioning in Lisburn police station.
The Finucane murder was one of the most high profile of the Troubles and has been the subject of allegations of collusion between loyalist paramilitaries and security forces personnel.
The Stevens Inquiry was formed to investigate allegations that the RUC Special Branch and the British military's Force Research Unit, who were running agents within the UDA, connived in selecting the victim as a target and allowing the hit team in and out of the area to carry out the assassination.
Last month Sir John Stevens revealed that the publication date of his report had been delayed by six months to allow "further investigations" to be carried out. The Metropolitan police chief was scheduled to present the findings of his report to the November session of the Northern Ireland Policing Board, but this has now been delayed until spring 2003.
Only one person has been charged in connection with the murder. William Stobie, who was working as a police informer at the time of the killing, was the UDA quartermaster that supplied the weapons used by the gunmen. However, Stobie was murdered outside his flat in north Belfast last year – two weeks after a trial into his involvement in the killing was abandoned due to lack of evidence.
The Red Hand Defenders – a cover name for loyalist paramilitaries including the UDA – later claimed that it had killed William Stobie for "crimes against the loyalist community".
(GMcG)
The 38-year-old was arrested at his west Belfast home this morning by officers from the Stevens Inquiry team and is now being held for questioning in Lisburn police station.
The Finucane murder was one of the most high profile of the Troubles and has been the subject of allegations of collusion between loyalist paramilitaries and security forces personnel.
The Stevens Inquiry was formed to investigate allegations that the RUC Special Branch and the British military's Force Research Unit, who were running agents within the UDA, connived in selecting the victim as a target and allowing the hit team in and out of the area to carry out the assassination.
Last month Sir John Stevens revealed that the publication date of his report had been delayed by six months to allow "further investigations" to be carried out. The Metropolitan police chief was scheduled to present the findings of his report to the November session of the Northern Ireland Policing Board, but this has now been delayed until spring 2003.
Only one person has been charged in connection with the murder. William Stobie, who was working as a police informer at the time of the killing, was the UDA quartermaster that supplied the weapons used by the gunmen. However, Stobie was murdered outside his flat in north Belfast last year – two weeks after a trial into his involvement in the killing was abandoned due to lack of evidence.
The Red Hand Defenders – a cover name for loyalist paramilitaries including the UDA – later claimed that it had killed William Stobie for "crimes against the loyalist community".
(GMcG)
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12 December 2001
Stobie murder claimed by Red Hand Defenders
Former loyalist police agent William Stobie, who had been recently been acquitted of charges brought against him over the murder of solicitor Pat Finucane, has been shot dead in north Belfast. The Red Hand Defenders, a cover name which has been used in the past for the UDA and UFF, has claimed responsibility for his murder.
Stobie murder claimed by Red Hand Defenders
Former loyalist police agent William Stobie, who had been recently been acquitted of charges brought against him over the murder of solicitor Pat Finucane, has been shot dead in north Belfast. The Red Hand Defenders, a cover name which has been used in the past for the UDA and UFF, has claimed responsibility for his murder.
14 April 2005
Former east Belfast UDA leader has bank accounts frozen
Former east Belfast UDA leader Jim Gray has had his bank accounts frozen, Banbridge Magistrates Court heard today. The 47-year-old, who was charged at the weekend with possessing and concealing criminal property but who denies the charges, appeared by video link from Maghaberry Prison and spoke only to confirm his name.
Former east Belfast UDA leader has bank accounts frozen
Former east Belfast UDA leader Jim Gray has had his bank accounts frozen, Banbridge Magistrates Court heard today. The 47-year-old, who was charged at the weekend with possessing and concealing criminal property but who denies the charges, appeared by video link from Maghaberry Prison and spoke only to confirm his name.
26 November 2001
Finucane accused case collapses
The case against the man charged with aiding and abetting in the murder of Belfast solicitor Pat Finucane 12 years ago has collapsed. Lord Chief Justice Sir Robert Carswell returned a verdict of not guilty in the absence of evidence against William Stobie at Belfast Crown Court on Monday November 26.
Finucane accused case collapses
The case against the man charged with aiding and abetting in the murder of Belfast solicitor Pat Finucane 12 years ago has collapsed. Lord Chief Justice Sir Robert Carswell returned a verdict of not guilty in the absence of evidence against William Stobie at Belfast Crown Court on Monday November 26.
14 February 2018
Death Of Woman In North Belfast 'Not Suspicious'
The death of a woman in north Belfast is no longer being treated as suspicious, police have confirmed. May Stevens, aged 64 and a mother-of-two, was found dead in her home in the Lismoyne Park area on Sunday, 11 February. Following the results of a post-mortem, police are no longer treating the death as suspicious.
Death Of Woman In North Belfast 'Not Suspicious'
The death of a woman in north Belfast is no longer being treated as suspicious, police have confirmed. May Stevens, aged 64 and a mother-of-two, was found dead in her home in the Lismoyne Park area on Sunday, 11 February. Following the results of a post-mortem, police are no longer treating the death as suspicious.
14 August 2002
UDA leader pledges 'like for like' retaliation
In an interview with the Guardian today, a newly installed brigadier of the UDA has said that his organisation will match "like for like" any killing of Protestants by republicans.
UDA leader pledges 'like for like' retaliation
In an interview with the Guardian today, a newly installed brigadier of the UDA has said that his organisation will match "like for like" any killing of Protestants by republicans.
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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.
