Menu
11/03/2009
Police To Be Anonymous At Hamill Inquiry
To allow the ongoing Robert Hamill Inquiry to continue with its work "without undue delay", anonymity for police officers giving evidence has been granted.
The Inquiry Chairman Sir Edwin Jowitt, has ruled that - on a temporary basis until further notice - no police officers giving evidence will be identified.
Charles Adair QC, who represents a number of individual officers, made an urgent application to prevent disclosure of the names or identities of PSNI personnel who are expected to start four weeks of evidence next Tuesday.
Special consideration is also being given to the possibility of screening certain police witnesses to conceal them when from public view.
The application, which would normally be made in chambers, was put to the three-person panel in open session at the Belfast Interpoint Centre.
Yesterday, following the murder of a police officer in Craigavon on Monday night and the weekend murders of two soldiers in Antrim, it was agreed that the names of police officers would be temporarily redacted from all inquiry documents.
No officers would now be named in open session either, in the interim.
In making his ruling, Sir Edwin said it recognised the increased security threat to police officers in Northern Ireland.
At the commencement of today's Inquiry proceedings, Sir Edwin also offered his condolences to the family of Constable Carroll.
"On behalf of the Inquiry Panel, I would like to express our great distress and sorrow with regard to yesterday’s murder,” said Sir Edwin. "We offer his family our condolences and our prayers."
The Hamill Inquiry was established in November 2004 when the then Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Paul Murphy, announced the terms of reference for the inquiry into the death of Robert Hamill following an incident in Portadown, on 27 April 1997.
See: Robert Hamill Inquiry Opens Public Sessions
(BMcC/JM)
The Inquiry Chairman Sir Edwin Jowitt, has ruled that - on a temporary basis until further notice - no police officers giving evidence will be identified.
Charles Adair QC, who represents a number of individual officers, made an urgent application to prevent disclosure of the names or identities of PSNI personnel who are expected to start four weeks of evidence next Tuesday.
Special consideration is also being given to the possibility of screening certain police witnesses to conceal them when from public view.
The application, which would normally be made in chambers, was put to the three-person panel in open session at the Belfast Interpoint Centre.
Yesterday, following the murder of a police officer in Craigavon on Monday night and the weekend murders of two soldiers in Antrim, it was agreed that the names of police officers would be temporarily redacted from all inquiry documents.
No officers would now be named in open session either, in the interim.
In making his ruling, Sir Edwin said it recognised the increased security threat to police officers in Northern Ireland.
At the commencement of today's Inquiry proceedings, Sir Edwin also offered his condolences to the family of Constable Carroll.
"On behalf of the Inquiry Panel, I would like to express our great distress and sorrow with regard to yesterday’s murder,” said Sir Edwin. "We offer his family our condolences and our prayers."
The Hamill Inquiry was established in November 2004 when the then Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Paul Murphy, announced the terms of reference for the inquiry into the death of Robert Hamill following an incident in Portadown, on 27 April 1997.
See: Robert Hamill Inquiry Opens Public Sessions
(BMcC/JM)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
29 April 2009
Hamill Inquiry Witnesses To Be Screened
The Robert Hamill Inquiry has ruled that witnesses who are serving or retired police officers may give their evidence from behind a screen. However, they will not be granted full anonymity. This ruling has been made in response to applications for such screening on behalf of a number of former or still serving police officers due to give evidence.
Hamill Inquiry Witnesses To Be Screened
The Robert Hamill Inquiry has ruled that witnesses who are serving or retired police officers may give their evidence from behind a screen. However, they will not be granted full anonymity. This ruling has been made in response to applications for such screening on behalf of a number of former or still serving police officers due to give evidence.
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.
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.
12 May 2010
Hamill Probe Seeks Public's Views
The Robert Hamill Inquiry is inviting members of the public to submit their views on any issues they believe the Inquiry should cover in its recommendations. The Inquiry intends to deliver its report, together with a series of recommendations, to the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland by the end of the year.
Hamill Probe Seeks Public's Views
The Robert Hamill Inquiry is inviting members of the public to submit their views on any issues they believe the Inquiry should cover in its recommendations. The Inquiry intends to deliver its report, together with a series of recommendations, to the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland by the end of the year.
13 April 2017
Police Ombudsman Has Serious Questions To Answer - PFNI
The Police Ombudsman has some "very serious questions to answer" over the alleged leaking of security documents, according to the Police Federation for Northern Ireland (PFNI). The PFNI has called for a "full inquiry" into the operation of the police ombudsman's office.
Police Ombudsman Has Serious Questions To Answer - PFNI
The Police Ombudsman has some "very serious questions to answer" over the alleged leaking of security documents, according to the Police Federation for Northern Ireland (PFNI). The PFNI has called for a "full inquiry" into the operation of the police ombudsman's office.
-
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.
