Collusion Requires Accountability Not Cover Up

In relation to the decision by the Court of Appeal today in the case of John Flynn, Relatives for Justice (RFJ) Senior Advocacy Director Mike Ritchie has issued the following statement:

“RFJ welcomes today’s Court of Appeal decision in case of John Flynn vs PSNI.

“The case emerged following the PSNI admitting police collusion in the attempted murder of Mr. Flynn by the Mount Vernon UVF, but then refusing to provide disclosure about the extent of that collusion.

“This case also goes to the very heart of PSNI and Police Ombudsman failings, under Al Hutchinson, to properly examine whether or not the RUC Special Branch handlers of those who carried out several attacks on Mr. Flynn also committed criminal acts.

“In one attempt to kill, Mr. Flynn managed to fight off his UVF attackers and vital forensic evidence, including blood and DNA from his assailant, was recoverable but covered up by RUC Special Branch.

“We now know that the assailant was UVF/RUC Special Branch agent Mark Haddock, who went on to kill others.

“It is not acceptable just to say there was collusion. Collusion requires full accountability. The PSNI does appear to be covering up for former RUC Special Branch officers involved in collusion and criminality. This is unacceptable.

“Disclosure in this case should be produced immediately given today’s ruling.” ENDS