O’Loan to oversee UVF informer probe
Former Police Ombudsman (Watchdog) Nuala O’Loan, who uncovered police informers working at the heart of a paramilitary gang in north Belfast, is to monitor the investigation into the very case she exposed.
In 2007, Dame Nuala completed a damning report into the UVF Mount Vermon unit led by Special Branch informer Mark Haddock in the 1990s.
She claimed paramilitary killers were protected because they were police informers.
The investigation was handed over to the PSNI’s Serious Crime Branch last year.
Operation Stafford, formerly known as Operation Ballast when it was under the HET’s remit, has already charged or reported people to the Public Prosecution Service for offences including murder and attempted murder.
Dame Nuala will now team up with barrister Richard Harvey, who worked on the Bloody Sunday inquiry. Both will be fully briefed on the investigation as it progresses and may even be able to suggest potential lines of inquiry.
The panel is essentially acting on behalf of the families but won’t be able to tell them everything they are told by police.
“They will examine some documentation as well and have an opportunity to quiz and questions senior officers involved in the investigation”, solicitor Paddy Murray explained.
“She will not be able to tell them information that would compromise the safety of individuals whether suspects, witnesses, the police or the public at large. She has to ensure that any information that is passed does not affect the future investigation or future trial.”
Earlier this year, victims’ Commissioner Brendan McAllister claimed victims’ families lacked confidence in the police handling of the investigation.
Aaron McCone, whose father was murdered by the UVF, said he was pleased with the move.
“It gives us 100% confidence. She has been very good up to now and kept on top of it, and anything we needed to know she let us know.”
Haddock is behind bars awaiting trial for two murders. A judge is set to rule on whether he should be bailed.
