Storey funeral: ‘Company boss helped with security but got no pay’

The claim emerged via the Nolan Show yesterday, which kicked off by reading the contents of a legal letter they had received from a firm of lawyers.

It followed an intense grilling on Tuesday of Matt Parr, the man behind the latest report, who point blank refused to name the “events company” which had been involved in the planning for the funeral.

Yesterday’s legal letter said: “Re: our client John Trainor we can confirm that the event security company Island Events was not commissioned to provide services in the preparation or planning of the Bobby Storey funeral.

“Our client John Trainor provided assistance and advice to the funeral organisers to ensure the safe and smooth running of the funeral.

“He also drafted a health and safety plan which was provided to the PSNI in advance of the funeral.

“Mr Trainor holds a Level 5 diploma in event safety management, and has an Security Industry Authority.

“His advice and assistance were provided on a personal basis, as he was a friend of the deceased and his family.

“He was not remunerated for his services, nor was Island Events.

“It is my client’s understanding that the stewards at the funeral received no financial benefit, payment in kind, or reward for their services, and as such were exempt from the requirement to have an SIA licence as per SIA security at events guidance.

“Our client is a successful businessman, and well-respected event security expert.

“We will take all neccessary steps to vindicate his position if any defamatory comments are made against him, and we will pursue all legal remedies available.”

Companies House states that as well directing Island Events, Mr Trainor is also director of hotel firms THH Assets and HTH Hospitality (based at the address of west Belfast’s Balmoral Hotel), restaurant firm Stix and Stones, and private security outfit JT Management Services.

The News Letter tried to reach Mr Trainor yesterday via Sinn Fein and his various ventures, but no response was received.

More from this reporter:

Click here: IN PICTURES – Plan to raze one of Belfast’s main train stations to the ground

Click here: Biggest Protestant church in NI backs DUP bill on disabled abortions

——— ———

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.

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