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17/04/2002
Mother of Peter McBride has case rejected in High Court
An application for a judicial review of the decision to let two Scots Guards convicted of murdering a Belfast teenager remain the army has failed in the High Court.
High Court judge Mr Justice Kerr rejected the application, brought by the mother of murdered teenager Peter McBride, on Wednesday April 17.
Scots Guards Mark Wright and James Fisher each served six years of a life sentence for the murder of Belfast teenager Peter McBride in 1992.
Peter McBride, 18, a father-of-two, was shot in the back as he ran away from a military patrol in north Belfast.
Fisher and Wright were permitted to resume their careers in their regiment following their release from prison on licence in 1998.
Following the ruling Jean McBride said she was “devastated”. She also described the ruling as “bizarre and unbelievable despite an earlier ruling by the same judge that the Army Board must reconsider its decision to continue to employ the two convicted murderers.”
SDLP assembly member for north Belfast Alban Maginness said he was also disappointed by the result. "It is clear that those who are convicted of such a heinous crime should not be re-accepted into the army. It defies all recognised standards in the civilised world."
In the High Court in Belfast on Wednesday, Mr Justice Kerr accepted the soldiers had no justification for opening fire and later lying about the incident. However, the judge stressed that all soldiers convicted of murder in Northern Ireland had been allowed to return to the army after serving jail sentences.
He added: “While they were not young by army standards, the view could be taken that they were not fully mature men.
“Lying about the circumstances, although reprehensible, is perhaps not an unnatural reaction given the position in which they found themselves.
“Not without misgivings, therefore, I have concluded that the decision of the Army Board cannot be condemned as unreasonable.” (AMcE)
High Court judge Mr Justice Kerr rejected the application, brought by the mother of murdered teenager Peter McBride, on Wednesday April 17.
Scots Guards Mark Wright and James Fisher each served six years of a life sentence for the murder of Belfast teenager Peter McBride in 1992.
Peter McBride, 18, a father-of-two, was shot in the back as he ran away from a military patrol in north Belfast.
Fisher and Wright were permitted to resume their careers in their regiment following their release from prison on licence in 1998.
Following the ruling Jean McBride said she was “devastated”. She also described the ruling as “bizarre and unbelievable despite an earlier ruling by the same judge that the Army Board must reconsider its decision to continue to employ the two convicted murderers.”
SDLP assembly member for north Belfast Alban Maginness said he was also disappointed by the result. "It is clear that those who are convicted of such a heinous crime should not be re-accepted into the army. It defies all recognised standards in the civilised world."
In the High Court in Belfast on Wednesday, Mr Justice Kerr accepted the soldiers had no justification for opening fire and later lying about the incident. However, the judge stressed that all soldiers convicted of murder in Northern Ireland had been allowed to return to the army after serving jail sentences.
He added: “While they were not young by army standards, the view could be taken that they were not fully mature men.
“Lying about the circumstances, although reprehensible, is perhaps not an unnatural reaction given the position in which they found themselves.
“Not without misgivings, therefore, I have concluded that the decision of the Army Board cannot be condemned as unreasonable.” (AMcE)
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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
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11 August 2003
Jean McBride to meet NIO Minister
The mother of a man who was shot dead by the British Army 10 years ago is to meet with NIO Minister John Spellar to discuss his role in allowing the two soldiers who fired the fatal shots to remain in the armed forces. Jean McBride will meet Mr Spellar at Castle Buildings, Stormont, this afternoon.
Jean McBride to meet NIO Minister
The mother of a man who was shot dead by the British Army 10 years ago is to meet with NIO Minister John Spellar to discuss his role in allowing the two soldiers who fired the fatal shots to remain in the armed forces. Jean McBride will meet Mr Spellar at Castle Buildings, Stormont, this afternoon.
04 September 2002
Protests held over McBride killing
Three protests have been held across the UK today to mark the 10th anniversary of the death of an 18-year-old Catholic father of two, Peter McBride, who was shot dead by the British Army in west Belfast. The vigil in Belfast was held at the City Hall between 1 and 2pm, and protests in London were held from 1pm to 4pm.
Protests held over McBride killing
Three protests have been held across the UK today to mark the 10th anniversary of the death of an 18-year-old Catholic father of two, Peter McBride, who was shot dead by the British Army in west Belfast. The vigil in Belfast was held at the City Hall between 1 and 2pm, and protests in London were held from 1pm to 4pm.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A cloudy morning with some outbreaks of rain, some on the heavy side. Then turning brighter in afternoon with sunny intervals and more isolated showers. Fresh southeatserly winds. Maximum temperature 14 °C.Tonight:A dry evening with some sunshine to end the day, then staying dry overnight with some clear periods. Winds easing. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
