Wright Inquiry Data On Stolen Computer

There's further controversy today with news that a laptop computer containing confidential information has been stolen from a barrister involved in the public inquiry into the murder of loyalist paramilitary Billy Wright.

The computer – stolen from a London office - contained details of a number of people in Northern Ireland, who are now being notified of the theft.

The Northern Ireland Office said it was informed over the weekend that the computer had been taken from the private chambers of the lawyer representing the Northern Ireland Prison Service at the inquiry.

A statement said: "The laptop stolen from the barrister's chambers contained confidential and legally privileged information in connection with the inquiry, including some details about a number of individuals in Northern Ireland.

"Those individuals are being notified and the potential implications of the theft are being assessed with them, in consultation with the Crown Solicitor's Office and the PSNI."

The Billy Wright Inquiry and the Information Commissioner have also been informed.

This is a further blow to the credibility of the authorities. Suspended hearings into the killing of LVF leader Billy Wright - shot dead by INLA prisoners inside the Maze Prison 10 years ago last month - are due to resume next week.

However, inquiry chairman Lord MacLean still believes the PSNI has fallen short of the panel's requests for full documentation to be produced.

Last year he said "outstanding gaps are in the intelligence information that we think exists and is not being produced".

See: Billy Wright Inquiry 'Not Satisfied' With PSNI Response

(BMcC)