Arlene Arkinson's sister attacks An Garda Siochana for '˜obstructing inquest'
The sister of murdered Northern Ireland schoolgirl Arlene Arkinson has launched a stinging attack on An Garda Siochana, accusing the force of obstructing her inquest.
Making a direct appeal for the Garda Commissioner to hand over potentially key information, Kathleen Arkinson hit out at the perceived procrastination and delay preventing the case from concluding.
Ms Arkinson said: “The justice system has failed us in every way.
“We have done everything we can and we are still here a year and a half later for an inquest for one child who was 15 years old.
“I would appeal to Noirin O’Sullivan to please look into this as soon as possible because it is dragging our lives away.
“We can’t go on like this forever.”
The inquest, which opened in February 2016, has been stalled for months to facilitate the sharing of information from legal authorities in the Republic of Ireland.
The material includes papers on the lines of inquiry pursued by An Garda Siochana, searches carried out south of the border, and a purported meeting between gardai and the former girlfriend of Robert Howard, the prime suspect in the murder.
Garda officers may also be asked to give oral evidence.
During a preliminary hearing at Belfast’s Coroner’s Court Judge Brian Sherrard moved to allay any conspiracy theories.
He said: “The delay that has been caused is not because this court harbours any concerns about the family whatsoever.
“In terms of rumour or suspicion, I can put that to bed straight away.
“The delay in this case is purely because we are awaiting a comprehensive response from An Garda Siochana.”