Mourners told death must be fully probed
A priest has said that the Police Ombudsman’s office must honour its pledge to conduct a full and impartial investigation into the death in custody of Strabane man John Brady.
Fr Declan Boland was speaking yesterday as he officiated at the funeral of the 40-year-old republican.
Brady was taken into custody on Friday in connection with an alleged assault.
He had been on weekend parole from Maghaberry Prison, where he was serving the final part of a sentence for the murder of a police officer during the Troubles.
He was found dead in a holding cell at Strand Road station in Derry on Saturday.
Hundreds of people packed into the Church of the Immaculate Conception at noon for Brady’s funeral.
During Requiem Mass, Fr Boland said: “His sudden death in tragic circumstances has profoundly shocked us and legitimate questions have been raised as to the exact nature of his death.
“It is important that all the facts surrounding his death be examined to establish the precise cause so that his family and the community can cope with his passing.
“A pledge to carry out an independent and impartial inquiry has been given. That pledge must be honoured.”
