Twenty-four people asked to attend PSNI interviews after Bobby Storey funeral - PSNI Chief Constable Simon Byrne

Twenty-four people have been asked to attend interviews after the funeral of IRA man Bobby Storey in June, the PSNI chief constable has revealed.
Bobby StoreyBobby Storey
Bobby Storey

Simon Byrne said the investigation into potential breaches of social distancing rules should be completed within the next number of weeks.

He appeared before Stormont’s justice committee on Thursday.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Deputy First Minister Michele O’Neill was among those contacted.

File photo dated 30/06/20 of Deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill during the funeral of senior Bobby Storey at Milltown Cemetery in west BelfastFile photo dated 30/06/20 of Deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill during the funeral of senior Bobby Storey at Milltown Cemetery in west Belfast
File photo dated 30/06/20 of Deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill during the funeral of senior Bobby Storey at Milltown Cemetery in west Belfast

The police’s part of the investigation is expected to be completed within the next couple of weeks, the senior officer added, then it will be up to prosecutors to consider the evidence.

Mr Byrne said: “We are in dialogue with those 24 people and hopefully as the investigation progresses we can update further.”

He said the investigation had to be completed within six months and expected the evidence would be sent to the Public Prosecution Service within the next couple of weeks.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Sinn Fein Assembly member Linda Dillon said she was one of those invited to attend interview but added police had got their approach to the investigation right.

She accused the media and politicians of applying pressure.

“Everything is about Bobby’s funeral.

“The blatant hypocrisy in this room would sicken you.

“The right approach was taken because the PSNI took a balanced approach.”

An independent officer from outside the force, Mark Webster, is leading the investigation.

Ms O’Neill and other senior Sinn Fein members were among crowds who attended the funeral of Bobby Storey in west Belfast in June despite restrictions on public gatherings.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The scenes at the height of the pandemic sparked calls for the Deputy First Minister to resign.

A row with the DUP over the matter prompted the suspension of joint briefings with Sinn Fein during the health emergency.

Ulster Unionist Doug Beattie told Stormont’s justice committee on Thursday the matter had affected the public health messaging.