This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-20003541
The article has changed 3 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Version 0 | Version 1 |
---|---|
Police Ombudsman investigation into UVF collusion claims | Police Ombudsman investigation into UVF collusion claims |
(about 2 hours later) | |
By Vincent Kearney BBC NI home affairs correspondent | By Vincent Kearney BBC NI home affairs correspondent |
The police ombudsman in Northern Ireland has launched an investigation into allegations of collusion between the police and senior members of the UVF in the Shankill Road area of Belfast. | The police ombudsman in Northern Ireland has launched an investigation into allegations of collusion between the police and senior members of the UVF in the Shankill Road area of Belfast. |
A special team has been set up to examine why there have not been charges or convictions in a number of high-profile murders. | A special team has been set up to examine why there have not been charges or convictions in a number of high-profile murders. |
The most recent killing being investigated was that of Bobby Moffett. | The most recent killing being investigated was that of Bobby Moffett. |
He was shot dead in May 2010. | He was shot dead in May 2010. |
This followed a dispute with a senior figure within the UVF. | This followed a dispute with a senior figure within the UVF. |
The International Monitoring Commission said the murder of the former loyalist prisoner was sanctioned by UVF leaders. | The International Monitoring Commission said the murder of the former loyalist prisoner was sanctioned by UVF leaders. |
The Shankill Road is home to the leadership of the UVF. | The Shankill Road is home to the leadership of the UVF. |
It has been claimed for a number of years that senior figures within the organisation have been immune from prosecution because they were police informers. | It has been claimed for a number of years that senior figures within the organisation have been immune from prosecution because they were police informers. |
In a statement to the BBC, the ombudsman confirmed he is examining allegations that police failed to properly investigate a series of fatal shootings in north and west Belfast between 1989 and 2010. | In a statement to the BBC, the ombudsman confirmed he is examining allegations that police failed to properly investigate a series of fatal shootings in north and west Belfast between 1989 and 2010. |
It is understood investigators will examine claims that no one has been charged or convicted in connection with the murders because informers were being protected. | It is understood investigators will examine claims that no one has been charged or convicted in connection with the murders because informers were being protected. |
In a statement, the police said: "PSNI are involved in a major investigation into criminality in north and west Belfast involving the UVF which stretches back over a considerable period of time and which runs parallel to the ombudsman investigation Operation Stafford. | |
"With regard to the investigation into the murder of Bobby Moffett, this remains a live investigation into which police have committed very considerable resources and gone to substantial length to bring charges. | |
"PSNI has left no stone unturned in the Moffett investigation and is greatly frustrated that it has not been able, thus far, to bring charges of murder against those involved." | |
Operation Ballast | Operation Ballast |
The deaths being reviewed by the ombudsman are believed to include that of Jackie Coulter, a UDA leader shot dead by the UVF during a loyalist feud in August 2000. | |
The investigation into the killing of Mr Moffett is also understood to be under review. | The investigation into the killing of Mr Moffett is also understood to be under review. |
This is the second major investigation by the ombudsman's office into allegations that UVF informers have been protected by the police. | This is the second major investigation by the ombudsman's office into allegations that UVF informers have been protected by the police. |
Five years ago, Nuala O'Loan published a report called Operation Ballast. | Five years ago, Nuala O'Loan published a report called Operation Ballast. |
It said Special Branch officers had protected informers who were part of a gang based in the Mount Vernon area of north Belfast which was linked to 16 murders. | It said Special Branch officers had protected informers who were part of a gang based in the Mount Vernon area of north Belfast which was linked to 16 murders. |
The report was hugely damaging for the police and was strongly criticised by a number of former senior special branch officers. | The report was hugely damaging for the police and was strongly criticised by a number of former senior special branch officers. |
This investigation is potentially even more damaging. In the past, there have been allegations of collusion involving members of the Royal Ulster Constabulary. | This investigation is potentially even more damaging. In the past, there have been allegations of collusion involving members of the Royal Ulster Constabulary. |
However, Bobby Moffett was killed just two years ago, so this investigation is examining allegations that his killers were protected by the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI). | However, Bobby Moffett was killed just two years ago, so this investigation is examining allegations that his killers were protected by the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI). |
If the ombudsman substantiates that claim, it will have serious implications for the police. | If the ombudsman substantiates that claim, it will have serious implications for the police. |
In a statement, the PSNI said anyone with a complaint about police conduct should contact the ombudsman's office. | In a statement, the PSNI said anyone with a complaint about police conduct should contact the ombudsman's office. |