Menu
13/05/2002
Mother pens letter to Queen over son’s killers
The mother of a Belfast teenager shot dead by two soldiers has urged the Queen to explain why they have been allowed to remain in the British army.
Scots Guardsmen Mark Wright and James Fisher each served six years of a life sentence for the murder of her son Peter McBride in 1992.
In an open letter to the Queen published in today’s Irish News, Jean McBride questions why both men, are allowed to remain in the Army despite being convicted of his murder.
The Queen, who is currently on a tour of the province, is the Colonel-in-Chief of the Scots Guards and the Irish Guards regiments.
In the letter Mrs McBride asks: “Is it a source of pride to be Colonel-in-Chief of a regiment which harbours the convicted murderers of my son?”
The letter has prompted SDLP leader Mark Durkan to write to Prime Minister Tony Blair highlighting the case.
He said: “Seeing the soldiers given early release was difficult to accept. But it is outrageous that the soldiers have been accepted back into the army.
“I have written to Tony Blair raising the injustice done to the Mc Brides. It is astonishing that the British Army would want to have convicted murderers and liars in its ranks. I have asked the Prime Minister what message this sends out about the value that the British Government places on civilian life in Northern Ireland.
“The SDLP believes that murder is murder. It doesn’t matter who carried it out-it should be treated equally seriously. The handling of the Mc Bride case calls this into question and offends against basic standards of justice and human rights.”
(AMcE)
Scots Guardsmen Mark Wright and James Fisher each served six years of a life sentence for the murder of her son Peter McBride in 1992.
In an open letter to the Queen published in today’s Irish News, Jean McBride questions why both men, are allowed to remain in the Army despite being convicted of his murder.
The Queen, who is currently on a tour of the province, is the Colonel-in-Chief of the Scots Guards and the Irish Guards regiments.
In the letter Mrs McBride asks: “Is it a source of pride to be Colonel-in-Chief of a regiment which harbours the convicted murderers of my son?”
The letter has prompted SDLP leader Mark Durkan to write to Prime Minister Tony Blair highlighting the case.
He said: “Seeing the soldiers given early release was difficult to accept. But it is outrageous that the soldiers have been accepted back into the army.
“I have written to Tony Blair raising the injustice done to the Mc Brides. It is astonishing that the British Army would want to have convicted murderers and liars in its ranks. I have asked the Prime Minister what message this sends out about the value that the British Government places on civilian life in Northern Ireland.
“The SDLP believes that murder is murder. It doesn’t matter who carried it out-it should be treated equally seriously. The handling of the Mc Bride case calls this into question and offends against basic standards of justice and human rights.”
(AMcE)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
14 November 2024
Minister Murphy Raises Economic Concerns in London
Economy Minister Conor Murphy today raised a number of key economic issues with British Government Ministers during a visit to London.
Minister Murphy Raises Economic Concerns in London
Economy Minister Conor Murphy today raised a number of key economic issues with British Government Ministers during a visit to London.
13 June 2003
Army was wrong to keep killers says Court
The Court of Appeal in Belfast has said that the Army was wrong to retain two soldiers who killed a local teenager in 1992. Scots Guards Mark Wright and James Fisher were convicted of murdering 18-year-old Peter McBride while they were on patrol near his home in the New Lodge area of north Belfast.
Army was wrong to keep killers says Court
The Court of Appeal in Belfast has said that the Army was wrong to retain two soldiers who killed a local teenager in 1992. Scots Guards Mark Wright and James Fisher were convicted of murdering 18-year-old Peter McBride while they were on patrol near his home in the New Lodge area of north Belfast.
16 January 2003
McBride family re-appeal Scots Guardsmen decision
The family of Peter McBride, who was shot and killed by the British army in 1992, will launch a fresh legal challenge against the MoD today over their decision to retain the two Scots Guardsmen in the ranks. Lawyers for the McBride family will begin the appeal against the ruling of Justice Kerr in judicial review at 10.
McBride family re-appeal Scots Guardsmen decision
The family of Peter McBride, who was shot and killed by the British army in 1992, will launch a fresh legal challenge against the MoD today over their decision to retain the two Scots Guardsmen in the ranks. Lawyers for the McBride family will begin the appeal against the ruling of Justice Kerr in judicial review at 10.
25 February 2013
Explore The Mind Of A Serial Killer At Queens Showcase
The inner workings of the minds of some of the world's most notorious serial killers will be the subject of just one of the talks available at a free psychology showcase at Queen’s University this week.
Explore The Mind Of A Serial Killer At Queens Showcase
The inner workings of the minds of some of the world's most notorious serial killers will be the subject of just one of the talks available at a free psychology showcase at Queen’s University this week.
19 October 2022
Poots Visits 'The Florencecourt Yew' Tree
Environment Minister Edwin Poots MLA has visited 'The Florencecourt Yew' tree which was chosen as part of a nationwide network of 70 Ancient Trees dedicated to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, in celebration of the Platinum Jubilee and her legacy, under the Queen's Green Canopy (QGC) initiative.
Poots Visits 'The Florencecourt Yew' Tree
Environment Minister Edwin Poots MLA has visited 'The Florencecourt Yew' tree which was chosen as part of a nationwide network of 70 Ancient Trees dedicated to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, in celebration of the Platinum Jubilee and her legacy, under the Queen's Green Canopy (QGC) initiative.
-
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.
