Republican News · Thursday 5 December 2002

Nelson investigation to be shelved?

It has been nearly four years since the killing of Lurgan solicitor Rosemary Nelson and no one has been charged with the car bombing that took her life. Now the English police officer heading the investigation into her death is stepping down.

Deputy Chief Constable of Norfolk, Colin Port, who has led the inquiry since its inception, announced last week he will be leaving the investigation for "personal reasons," sparking fears that the investigation is being wound down.

His departure amid a singular lack of success again highlights the need for an independent inquiry into the events of 15 March 1999, when the solicitor's car was booby-trapped with a sophisticated car bomb.

Prior to her death, she had been threatened openly by RUC officers and was on the United Nations list of lawyers at risk throughout the world, yet the British government had refused to place her on the key persons' protection scheme.

Although the Red Hand Defenders (a loyalist cover name for the UDA,) claimed responsibility for the killing, the type of bomb and style of explosive used was far beyond their limited expertise, further fueling speculation of crown forces involvement.

In spite of international demands for a public inquiry into her death from politicians, lawyers, and human rights groups throughout the world, the British government brought Colin Port in to lead a team of English detectives. However, it was announced they would work alongside the RUC during the investigation. Indeed, Port's investigation headquarters was Lurgan RUC barracks, from where numerous threats against Rosemary emanated.

In July 1999, Port pledged "a rigorous investigation" and opened an "RUC-free" line of communication for potential witnesses although he claimed to have found no evidence of collusion. In spite of this, no one has been charged and now there are legitimate fears that the investigation is effectively over.

Nearly four years on, we are no closer to learning the truth surrounding the death threats by the RUC and the murder itself.

The fact that Port is going increases the need for a completely independent judicial inquiry.

Port has denied that his departure means the end of the investigation, claiming that there are still 30 full-time staff working the case seeking to establish the truth.

We won't be holding our breath.