Doug Beattie: My thoughts are with innocent victims of ruthless IRA terrorists like McCann

A letter from Doug Beattie MC MLA:
By Doug Beattie
Published 5th May 2021, 23:46 BST
Updated 5th May 2021, 23:53 BST
IRA terrorists pictured on the Whiterock Road in Belfast during the TroublesIRA terrorists pictured on the Whiterock Road in Belfast during the Troubles
IRA terrorists pictured on the Whiterock Road in Belfast during the Troubles

The collapse of the trial of two former paratroopers accused of the murder of an IRA terrorist in Belfast in 1972 highlights the huge difficulty that surrounds so-called legacy cases.

I have always said that the law must be applied equally to everyone, whether a soldier, civilian or politician.

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Due process has been applied in this case and these men are now free to carry on with their lives.

Letter to the editorLetter to the editor
Letter to the editor

I welcome their acquittal.

Many will question just how the Public Prosecution Service (PPS) thought this case could ever have been brought to court, given it emerged that the two ex-Paras had not been arrested or interviewed before they were charged.

A prosecution barrister also confirmed that neither man has ever been spoken to by the police.

The PPS needs to explain how and why these men were put through this trial, and what implications the collapse of this case due to lack of admissible evidence will have on other legacy cases, particularly those involving former soldiers.

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At the time of his death the IRA said that Joe McCann was responsible for the murders of 15 soldiers.

He was a ruthless and dedicated terrorist.

My thoughts are with all innocent victims.

Doug Beattie, MC MLA, Ulster Unionist Party

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Related topics:Joe McCannDoug BeattieDoug Beattie MC MLABelfast