Shamed PSNI ‘punish’ freed man

A young man arrested by the PSNI but released unconditionally has been vindictively prevented from getting an Australian visa, Sinn Fein has said.

Brian Campbell was arrested in July about the death of Ronan Kerr. The 23-year-old was released unconditionally within a day of his arrest when it emerged he had been in the US at the time of the attack which killed the PSNI policeman.

Stung by criticism from the broad nationalist community for the aggressive, high-profile operation in which a number of false arrests, including Mr Campbell’s, took place, the PSNI now appear to be taking revenge.

Sinn Fein assembly member Michelle O’Neill said Mr Campbell had applied for and been granted a visa to travel to Australia but this was revoked after the PSNI wrote to the Australian embassy.

Ms O’Neill said when she contacted the PSNI, they assured her they would write to the embassy saying Mr Campbell had not been charged with any crime and had been released unconditionally. However, she said the PSNI had actually told the embassy he was still under investigation, which meant his visa was revoked.

“I am outraged that the PSNI are not only being obstructive but actually seem vindictive in dealing with this application,” she said.

“To date not one single scrap of evidence has been produced to suggest this young man is guilty of anything and I am outraged at the way in which he is being treated.

“I will be seeking an urgent meeting with the local PSNI Commander to ensure that any letter in reference to the visa application state that this young man is innocent. I also intend to find out why this young man is experiencing these difficulties and seek an apology from the PSNI.

“I am also looking at bringing in the Police Ombudsman to investigate any discrimination or vindictiveness on behalf of individual officers involved in the case.”

Urgent Appeal