24/05/2011
'No Collusion' In Nelson Bomb Murder
Early details have emerged after a public inquiry into alleged State agency collusion with loyalists who murdered Lurgan solicitor Rosemary Nelson in 1999.
It found there was no such "wrongful act or omission by or within the Royal Ulster Constabulary, Northern Ireland Office or Army or any other state agency" as it had been commissioned to investigate, but it could not exclude the possibility that a 'rogue member' of the security forces had been involved.
The NI Secretary of State Owen Paterson has however told the House of Commons that there were failings in the measures taken to protect the lawyer and said that the government was "profoundly sorry" for these failures.
In counterpoint, the victim's widower, Paul, claimed last night that the inquiry had "vindicated his wife's belief that elements of the Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC) were unable to identify her as a professional lawyer and distinguish her from the alleged crimes and causes of her clients".
He said that after Mrs Nelson represented several high profile clients including prominent republican Colin Duffy and the Garvaghy Road Residents Association, the loyalist paramilitary group, the Red Hand Defenders, killed her in a booby-trap bomb attack near her home.
He said that the RUC not only failed to protect her, but had effectively set her up for murder and had "legitimised her (Mrs Nelson) as a target" by publicly abusing and assaulting her in Portadown two years before her death.
The inquiry was conducted by a panel of three: retired judge Sir Michael Morland, former Chairman of the Board of Customs and Excise, Dame Valerie Strachan, and Sir Anthony Burden, former Chief Constable of South Wales police.
They were asked to determine "whether any wrongful act or omission by or within the Royal Ulster Constabulary, Northern Ireland Office or Army or any other state agency facilitated her death or obstructed the investigation of it".
In the event, the multi-million pound probe ruled that state agencies did not directly collude with loyalists who murdered Lurgan solicitor Rosemary Nelson in 1999.
(BMcC/GK)
It found there was no such "wrongful act or omission by or within the Royal Ulster Constabulary, Northern Ireland Office or Army or any other state agency" as it had been commissioned to investigate, but it could not exclude the possibility that a 'rogue member' of the security forces had been involved.
The NI Secretary of State Owen Paterson has however told the House of Commons that there were failings in the measures taken to protect the lawyer and said that the government was "profoundly sorry" for these failures.
In counterpoint, the victim's widower, Paul, claimed last night that the inquiry had "vindicated his wife's belief that elements of the Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC) were unable to identify her as a professional lawyer and distinguish her from the alleged crimes and causes of her clients".
He said that after Mrs Nelson represented several high profile clients including prominent republican Colin Duffy and the Garvaghy Road Residents Association, the loyalist paramilitary group, the Red Hand Defenders, killed her in a booby-trap bomb attack near her home.
He said that the RUC not only failed to protect her, but had effectively set her up for murder and had "legitimised her (Mrs Nelson) as a target" by publicly abusing and assaulting her in Portadown two years before her death.
The inquiry was conducted by a panel of three: retired judge Sir Michael Morland, former Chairman of the Board of Customs and Excise, Dame Valerie Strachan, and Sir Anthony Burden, former Chief Constable of South Wales police.
They were asked to determine "whether any wrongful act or omission by or within the Royal Ulster Constabulary, Northern Ireland Office or Army or any other state agency facilitated her death or obstructed the investigation of it".
In the event, the multi-million pound probe ruled that state agencies did not directly collude with loyalists who murdered Lurgan solicitor Rosemary Nelson in 1999.
(BMcC/GK)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
20 March 2024
Other News In Brief
Man Extradited From RoI To Stand Trial In NI A 41-year-old man has been extradited to NI from the Republic of Ireland, to stand trial for an offence of grievous bodily harm.
Other News In Brief
Man Extradited From RoI To Stand Trial In NI A 41-year-old man has been extradited to NI from the Republic of Ireland, to stand trial for an offence of grievous bodily harm.
26 March 2024
Casement Park Redevelopment 'Must Be Delivered'
The redevelopment of Casement Park "must be delivered", SDLP leader, Colum Eastwood, has said following a meeting with an Ulster GAA delegation at Stormont.
Casement Park Redevelopment 'Must Be Delivered'
The redevelopment of Casement Park "must be delivered", SDLP leader, Colum Eastwood, has said following a meeting with an Ulster GAA delegation at Stormont.
25 March 2024
New Taskforce To Expand Ulster Uni To Over 10,000 Students
A new taskforce has been established to develop and oversee an action plan to expand Ulster University’s L'Derry campus to 10,000 students. Announced by the Economy Minister, Conor Murphy said: "The expansion of Ulster University’s campus in Derry is key to promoting regional balance, in line with my economic vision.
New Taskforce To Expand Ulster Uni To Over 10,000 Students
A new taskforce has been established to develop and oversee an action plan to expand Ulster University’s L'Derry campus to 10,000 students. Announced by the Economy Minister, Conor Murphy said: "The expansion of Ulster University’s campus in Derry is key to promoting regional balance, in line with my economic vision.
01 February 2024
Danske Bank Reopens Applications For Its Apprenticeship Programme
Danske Bank has reopened applications to its higher-level Apprenticeship programme and is looking for twelve new apprentices to join the bank.
Danske Bank Reopens Applications For Its Apprenticeship Programme
Danske Bank has reopened applications to its higher-level Apprenticeship programme and is looking for twelve new apprentices to join the bank.
09 May 2011
Nelson Probe Findings To Be Made Public
The results of a public inquiry into the murder of Lurgan solicitor Rosemary Nelson will be made public later this month. NI Secretary of State, Owen Paterson said the report would be shown to the Nelson family before it is published in full on 23 May.
Nelson Probe Findings To Be Made Public
The results of a public inquiry into the murder of Lurgan solicitor Rosemary Nelson will be made public later this month. NI Secretary of State, Owen Paterson said the report would be shown to the Nelson family before it is published in full on 23 May.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Mainly dry this morning with sunny spells then scattered showers breaking out this afternoon. A chilly start then feeling warmer in afternoon sunshine. Light southerly winds. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:Any showers at first soon dying out. Then dry overnight with clear periods and turning chilly with a touch of frost later tonight. Minimum temperature 1 °C.