Bobby Storey funeral: PPS must show ‘no one is above the law’

With the police investigation into events around the Bobby Storey now complete, DUP MP Gregory Campbell said the PPS must now demonstrate that “no one is above the law”.
By Mark Rainey
Published 17th Dec 2020, 18:40 BST
Sinn Fein leaders were among the hundreds of people who turned out for the funeral of Bobby StoreySinn Fein leaders were among the hundreds of people who turned out for the funeral of Bobby Storey
Sinn Fein leaders were among the hundreds of people who turned out for the funeral of Bobby Storey

Hundreds of people turned out in west Belfast for the Sinn Fein organised send-off in June, despite strict Covid regulations preventing large gatherings.

It sparked a major political row, with the Sinn Fein leadership and members accused of ignoring Covid rules by attending the event.

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Deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill is understood to be among the 24 people who were interviewed by police as part of the investigation.

The probe had been led by Cumbria Police Deputy Chief Constable Mark Webster since July. Today, Mr Webster confirmed in a statement that the investigation has now concluded.

“We have now interviewed 24 individuals suspected of having breached the regulations and a file will be submitted to the Public Prosecution Service (PPS) on Friday, December 18, 2020,” he said.

“I will not be making any further comment so as not to prejudice any future decision made by the PPS.”

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Mr Campbell said: “There is a feeling amongst many that the process only got to this stage as a result of continued public pressure.

“The onus now lies with the Public Prosecution Service to ensure that those who so clearly broke the law are held accountable for this.

“There must not be a repeat of what happened when I reported the vile anti-Semitic abuse captured on video and widely broadcast by a Jewish filmmaker as he spoke to people in Londonderry’s Bogside.

“On that occasion a file was eventually prepared and presented to the PPS, coincidentally only after many months had passed and I made further inquiries as to the progress of that investigation.

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“However, after a further lengthy delay the PPS then unbelievably deemed there to be insufficient evidence for a successful prosecution to be secured.”

The East Londonderry MP added: “There has rightly been a great deal of discussion around the perception of two-tier policing. However, there is an equal onus on the Public Prosecution Service to demonstrate that everyone is equally subject to the law regardless of their status, and that they carry out their duties impartially. ‘Support for the peace process’ cannot be an influencer when deciding on prosecutions for what appears to be clear and public breaches of the law.”

Mr Campbell’s DUP colleague Mervyn Storey also said that we “must all be equal under the law”.