Gavin Robinson: Trial is example of disparity between treatment of ex armed forces and those accused of terrorism

A statement from Gavin Robinson MP:
By Opinion
Published 5th May 2021, 06:42 BST
A man wearing the beret of the British Parachute Regiment gives a thumbs up outside Laganside Court in Belfast after the case against two veterans who were accused of the murder of Joe McCann 1972 collapsed. Photo: Liam McBurney/PA WireA man wearing the beret of the British Parachute Regiment gives a thumbs up outside Laganside Court in Belfast after the case against two veterans who were accused of the murder of Joe McCann 1972 collapsed. Photo: Liam McBurney/PA Wire
A man wearing the beret of the British Parachute Regiment gives a thumbs up outside Laganside Court in Belfast after the case against two veterans who were accused of the murder of Joe McCann 1972 collapsed. Photo: Liam McBurney/PA Wire

The collapse of the trial of two army veterans raises questions as to how the case managed to proceed to the point of a court case.

This case was brought forward with no new evidence and without even a fresh interview carried out by police of the two men.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

It appears remarkable that the PPS (Public Prosecution Service) were prepared to let this case proceed on evidence which they should have known would be inadmissible.

Letter to the editorLetter to the editor
Letter to the editor

In the determination to put these veterans on trial it seems little thought was given to proper justice.

It is a very clear example of the disparity of treatment between former members of our armed forces and those accused of terrorist offences.

There simply would have been no question of such a case against someone suspected of a terrorist murder proceeding to such lengths. It is cases such as this which allow the phrase ‘witch hunt’ to be used with justification.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

These two veterans should never have been brought before the court.

It brings into very sharp focus the need for all those who served in Northern Ireland to have the equivalent level of protection provided to those who served their country overseas.

Gavin Robinson, DUP MP, East Belfast

——— ———

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our advertisers — and consequently the revenue we receive — we are more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Subscribe to newsletter.co.uk and enjoy unlimited access to the best Northern Ireland and UK news and information online and on our app. With a digital subscription, you can read more than 5 articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Visit https://www.newsletter.co.uk/subscriptions now to sign up.

Our journalism costs money and we rely on advertising, print and digital revenues to help to support them. By supporting us, we are able to support you in providing trusted, fact-checked content for this website.

Alistair Bushe

Editor