Menu
19/09/2007
Police Ombudsman Report Reveals Findings In Nelson Case
A report by the Police Ombudsman revealed today that threats made against a Lurgan lawyer before her death were not properly investigated by police.
Rosemary Nelson was murdered by a car bomb planted by loyalists, outside her home in Lurgan, Co Armagh, in March 1999.
The report was prompted by a complaint from the Committee on the Administration of Justice (CAJ).
Police Ombudsman Nuala O'Loan said that an abusive and inherently dangerous leaflet and a death threat made against Mrs Nelson were not handled properly by the then RUC.
The CAJ claimed it had sent documents including the leaflet, to the Northern Ireland Office (NIO) at the time.
The leaflet, which circulated in loyalist areas in Portadown during the summer of 1998, included Mrs Nelson's address and telephone number.
O'Loan's report found no evidence that the NIO forwarded the anonymous documents to the Chief Constable's Office, but rather faxed a general letter about the issues raised in them.
The Police Ombudsman said the RUC's assessment of Mrs Nelson's situation, and its subsequent actions, were inadequate.
Mrs O'Loan said police should have made more strenuous efforts to establish a level of risk and threat to Mrs Nelson, particularly given her profile at the time.
(LC/SP)
Rosemary Nelson was murdered by a car bomb planted by loyalists, outside her home in Lurgan, Co Armagh, in March 1999.
The report was prompted by a complaint from the Committee on the Administration of Justice (CAJ).
Police Ombudsman Nuala O'Loan said that an abusive and inherently dangerous leaflet and a death threat made against Mrs Nelson were not handled properly by the then RUC.
The CAJ claimed it had sent documents including the leaflet, to the Northern Ireland Office (NIO) at the time.
The leaflet, which circulated in loyalist areas in Portadown during the summer of 1998, included Mrs Nelson's address and telephone number.
O'Loan's report found no evidence that the NIO forwarded the anonymous documents to the Chief Constable's Office, but rather faxed a general letter about the issues raised in them.
The Police Ombudsman said the RUC's assessment of Mrs Nelson's situation, and its subsequent actions, were inadequate.
Mrs O'Loan said police should have made more strenuous efforts to establish a level of risk and threat to Mrs Nelson, particularly given her profile at the time.
(LC/SP)
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.
09 May 2011
Nelson Probe Findings To Be Made Public
The results of a public inquiry into the murder of Lurgan solicitor Rosemary Nelson will be made public later this month. NI Secretary of State, Owen Paterson said the report would be shown to the Nelson family before it is published in full on 23 May.
Nelson Probe Findings To Be Made Public
The results of a public inquiry into the murder of Lurgan solicitor Rosemary Nelson will be made public later this month. NI Secretary of State, Owen Paterson said the report would be shown to the Nelson family before it is published in full on 23 May.
19 April 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.
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.
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.
03 December 2001
Man questioned in relation to Rosemary Nelson’s murder
Officers investigating the murder of Lurgan solicitor Rosemary Nelson have arrested a man in County Armagh. The 41-year-old man was taken from his home in Portadown for questioning about serious terrorist offences on Monday December 3. Rosemary Nelson, a Catholic mother-of-three, died in a booby-trap car bomb near her home on 15 March 1999.
Man questioned in relation to Rosemary Nelson’s murder
Officers investigating the murder of Lurgan solicitor Rosemary Nelson have arrested a man in County Armagh. The 41-year-old man was taken from his home in Portadown for questioning about serious terrorist offences on Monday December 3. Rosemary Nelson, a Catholic mother-of-three, died in a booby-trap car bomb near her home on 15 March 1999.
-
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.
