FAMILIES OF THE GLENANNE GANG SUCCEED IN LANDMARK HIGH COURT CHALLENGE OVER THE FAILURE TO INVESTIGATE EVIDENCE OF COLLUSION

The Historical Enquiries Team originally promised the families that they would produce a thematic report into what has become known as the “Glenanne Series” of murders. This decision was subsequently discontinued by the PSNI. It was the decision not to investigate the allegations of state collusion that was the subject of today’s proceedings.

The Court has today ruled that the decision not to investigate the collusion was unlawful and contrary to our client’s human rights. The Court held that there was an expectation on behalf of our clients that such an investigation would be done, and that to discontinue was extremely unfair to our clients and in breach of their rights.

It is, for the first time, a legal acknowledgement that their relatives’ lives were taken by collusion on behalf of the state forces supposedly sworn to uphold the law and protect life.

The Court has now ordered that the Respondent must liaise with the families legal representatives and suggest what mechanism will be put in place to ensure that the thematic investigation is carried out.
Darragh Mackin, of KRW LAW and Solicitor to the Families said:

“Today’s judgment vindicates our clients’ pursuit for truth and justice. Not only has the Court determined that there was evidence of collusion across the numerous murders, but that it was plainly contrary to our clients rights not to investigate.

We now look forward to liaising with the state in trying to ensure that a thematic investigation is now conducted forthwith, with the appropriate funding ring-fenced, and that its work begins expeditiously and without further delay.”


The relevant media coverage can be accessed here: ITV, The Newsletter, BBC, Irish Times, Belfast Telegraph, Newry Times, Irish Examiner, RTE, Armagh I, Irish News, Belfast Live, Tyrone Times