Pam Cameron MLA has welcomed the decision by the Criminal Bar Association to return to full Crown Court service, describing it as an important step towards securing long-awaited justice for families whose cases have been impacted by delays.

The DUP MLA has been supporting the McCollum family following the tragic death of Ian McCollum at McKinstry Biomass in Newry in January 2022. While guilty pleas were entered in the case in May, concerns remained that the ongoing withdrawal of services by criminal barristers could further delay the conclusion of proceedings.

Pam Cameron MLA said:

"I warmly welcome the decision to restore full Crown Court services. This will come as a significant relief to the McCollum family, who have already endured more than four years of waiting for legal finality following Ian's tragic death."

While the guilty pleas entered earlier this year spared the family the trauma of a full trial, there remained understandable concern that ongoing disruption within the justice system could lead to further delays. Throughout this period, I have remained in regular contact with the family and have engaged with the Public Prosecution Service, the Justice Minister, the Bar Council and criminal barristers to highlight the impact these delays were having.

The McCollum family deserve certainty and closure. They have shown tremendous strength and dignity throughout this process, and it is vital that their case now progresses without any further unnecessary delay."