08 March 2007

Judge condemns arrest of ex-officer

A retired judge has today condemned the arrest of a Special Branch officer amid allegations of a cover-up in the murder of his daughter.

Tom Travers was wounded and his 22-year-old daughter Mary was killed when an IRA gang opened fire at them as they left Mass in St Brigid’s Church in the Malone area in April 1984.

An ex-detective told police four years ago that he witnessed a cover-up of the killing. He was arrested on Wednesday.

Mr Travers told the Belfast Telegraph, he was “furious” the former officer was arrested, and that he had “become a friend of both myself and my family since coming forward with vital information a couple of years ago.”

He also referred to the man as “a valuable witness”.

It is understood Mr Travers complained to Ombudsman Nuala O’Loan’s office, as he was frustrated with the pace of the enquiry.

He told the Belfast Telegraph the man had given them “enormous comfort”. He continued: “I think it is a disgrace that a former officer trying to help the family of a victim should be treated this way.”

The retired officer said another Special Branch officer allowed a member of the IRA, also a police agent, to destroy vital evidence including the murder weapon.

The man was arrested on police bail pending further enquiries.

(JM/SP)