Menu
28/01/2008
Wright Inquiry Quizzes MI5 'Spook'
A government 'spook' whose own friends don't even know his true profession will be the first witness to testify as the Billy Wright Inquiry resumes today.
The serving MI5 officer will be known only as witness DO1 and is just one of three members of the Security Service who will appear at the tribunal.
All three will be anonymous and screened from the public when they give evidence in Banbridge's courthouse.
In his application for anonymity, the agent said some of his closest friends are not even aware he works for MI5.
The three are expected to be asked about intelligence, including perceived threats against Wright, around the time the LVF leader was murdered.
Billy Wright was shot dead in December 1997 by three INLA inmates who were housed in the same H Block of the prison.
Last week, in a report detailing the PSNI's inability to produce some evidence, the Inquiry revealed that a police informer was suspected of smuggling a gun to one of Wright's killers, Christopher 'Crip' McWilliams, in prison sometime before the murder.
The PSNI also told the inquiry the Special Branch agent is dead.
The inquiry's report detailed other major gaps in intelligence, including reports on the surveillance of known INLA leaders who were suspected of the plot.
The Security Service, along with the Army, had been seeking a restriction notice to prevent some documents being made public, while the in quiry was reluctant to do so.
They reached a compromise in which the evidence will be summarised and the original documents will not be produced.
Billy's dad, David Wright, did not raise any objections to the screening. He is known to be anxious to avoid any further delays in the inquiry, which is already running behind schedule.
The inquiry had been plagued by significant gaps in the documentary evidence, including the destruction of thousands of prison files. The Maze security files on Wright and two of his killers are among the missing documents.
See: Killer Gun Supplied By Police Agent: Wright Inquiry
(BMcC)
The serving MI5 officer will be known only as witness DO1 and is just one of three members of the Security Service who will appear at the tribunal.
All three will be anonymous and screened from the public when they give evidence in Banbridge's courthouse.
In his application for anonymity, the agent said some of his closest friends are not even aware he works for MI5.
The three are expected to be asked about intelligence, including perceived threats against Wright, around the time the LVF leader was murdered.
Billy Wright was shot dead in December 1997 by three INLA inmates who were housed in the same H Block of the prison.
Last week, in a report detailing the PSNI's inability to produce some evidence, the Inquiry revealed that a police informer was suspected of smuggling a gun to one of Wright's killers, Christopher 'Crip' McWilliams, in prison sometime before the murder.
The PSNI also told the inquiry the Special Branch agent is dead.
The inquiry's report detailed other major gaps in intelligence, including reports on the surveillance of known INLA leaders who were suspected of the plot.
The Security Service, along with the Army, had been seeking a restriction notice to prevent some documents being made public, while the in quiry was reluctant to do so.
They reached a compromise in which the evidence will be summarised and the original documents will not be produced.
Billy's dad, David Wright, did not raise any objections to the screening. He is known to be anxious to avoid any further delays in the inquiry, which is already running behind schedule.
The inquiry had been plagued by significant gaps in the documentary evidence, including the destruction of thousands of prison files. The Maze security files on Wright and two of his killers are among the missing documents.
See: Killer Gun Supplied By Police Agent: Wright Inquiry
(BMcC)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
22 January 2008
Killer Gun Supplied By Police Agent: Wright Inquiry
The public inquiry into the prison murder of LVF leader, Billy Wright has been receiving the wrong information from the police.
Killer Gun Supplied By Police Agent: Wright Inquiry
The public inquiry into the prison murder of LVF leader, Billy Wright has been receiving the wrong information from the police.
08 October 2008
Wright Inquiry 'Goes Wrong'
The campaigning dad of murdered loyalist Billy Wright is facing further frustration today as news emerges that the official Inquiry into the prison murder of his son has been forced to postpone hearing evidence from the police.
Wright Inquiry 'Goes Wrong'
The campaigning dad of murdered loyalist Billy Wright is facing further frustration today as news emerges that the official Inquiry into the prison murder of his son has been forced to postpone hearing evidence from the police.
22 May 2002
NIHRC call for public inquiry into Wright murder
The Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission (NIHRC) has called for an independent and international judicial inquiry into the murder of former Loyalist Volunteer Force leader Billy Wright.
NIHRC call for public inquiry into Wright murder
The Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission (NIHRC) has called for an independent and international judicial inquiry into the murder of former Loyalist Volunteer Force leader Billy Wright.
02 November 2001
Human Organs Inquiry set to answer public’s questions
The Human Organs Inquiry set up by the Department of Health has invited members of the public to come and air their views and listen to health service staff as well as relatives affected by the retention of human organs in Northern Ireland.
Human Organs Inquiry set to answer public’s questions
The Human Organs Inquiry set up by the Department of Health has invited members of the public to come and air their views and listen to health service staff as well as relatives affected by the retention of human organs in Northern Ireland.
06 February 2008
PM Told Wright Had to be Be 'Dealt With': Robinson
There were further shocks at the ongoing Inquiry into the murder of LVF terror leader, Billy Wright today. Evidence given in court by NI Assembly Finance Minister Peter Robinson was that the victim, Billy Wright, had said the late PUP leader David Ervine told Tony Blair - then Prime Minister - that he (Wright) had to be "dealt with".
PM Told Wright Had to be Be 'Dealt With': Robinson
There were further shocks at the ongoing Inquiry into the murder of LVF terror leader, Billy Wright today. Evidence given in court by NI Assembly Finance Minister Peter Robinson was that the victim, Billy Wright, had said the late PUP leader David Ervine told Tony Blair - then Prime Minister - that he (Wright) had to be "dealt with".
-
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.
