Shoot-to-kill inquest challenge thrown out

Relatives of those killed in Britain’s shoot-to-kill campaign of assassination seem set to finally see reports on the cases - albeit censored - following the dismissal yesterday of an appeal brought over their disclosure.

Lawyers for the families said versions of the probes should now be handed over once ‘sensitive material’ is ‘edited out’.

The Court of Appeal dismissed a challenge by the PSNI Chief Matt Baggott to a ruling that senior coroner John Leckey was right to decide next of kin should see redacted reports into a series of controversial killings and ambushes 28 years ago.

The case involves six people, including IRA Volunteers and a teenage boy, who were all shot dead around Lurgan and Armagh in 1982.

An investigation into whether police planned to kill them was carried out byformer Greater Manchester Police deputy chief constable John Stalker and Sir Colin Sampson of the West Yorkshire Police.

The Stalker/Sampson reports have never been made public.

Lawyers for the PSNI had sought to judicially review Mr Leckey’s direction for the handing over of redacted copies of the two reports.

During brief initial submissions counsel for the coroner confirmed his direction for disclosure was subject to any redactions by the Crown forces.

The judges then decided to dismiss the appeal, with the coroner being awarded his legal costs.

Sinn Fein spokesperson on Truth Francie Molloy said; “It is now time for the legal wrangling to end; the PSNI must accept the latest court ruling and provide the relevant Stalker/Sampson papers to the families legal teams.

“As we approach the 28th anniversary of these shootings it is past time that the loved ones of those murdered have their inquests completed.”

Urgent Appeal