Cost of ‘touts’ hits record level

A record amount of money has been paid out to informers in the past year, according to new figures.

Figures released by the PSNI following a Freedom of Information request show almost half a million pounds was paid out in the financial year 2011/12, the most ever paid by the British state to Irish ‘touts’.

In 2006/7, “Covert Human Intelligence Sources”, as they are officially known, were paid just over #160,000 but by last year the figure had jumped to #450,000.

Gerry Kelly, Sinn Fein’s policing spokesperson, said the party had concerns over the payments.

“Any police service in the world will use informants. What is our difficulty, and we have raised this at the Policing Board, is an issue of accountability.

“Who is watching what way the public money is used?,” he queried.

“And let us be very clear about this - into the very recent past we have had examples of some of these informants being completely out of control.

“Their handlers allowing them to be involved in everything right up to and including murder.”

LIVING IN FEAR

Earlier this month, the 32 County Sovereignty Movement reported that a man in the Bellaghy area of County Derry was living “in fear” after speaking to MI5 agents following a roadside incident.

The man was stopped at an apparently routine police checkpoint when he was directed him to pull in at the side of the road. He was held there until a black car pulled up and two men exited who identified themselves as MI5 agents and stated that they wanted him to work for them.

“The man who was approached is now in fear for his wellbeing following the underlying threats made to him by these British crown forces,” the 32CSM said.

“This incident is the latest in approximately a dozen incidences which have taken place within the last month to different individuals. We would ask anyone who either suffers an approach or has suffered an approach to contact their local 32csm cumann/known members and make these matters public.

“We would also advise to give the details of any approaches to a solicitor and also contact the local media/newspaper to have it on record. These shadowy forces rely on the silence of victims and intimidatory methods to try and exert pressure on vulnerable people.

“Do not suffer in silence.”

Urgent Appeal