Judge ‘minded’ over Real IRA info
A JUDGE has declared he is minded to make an order forcing a journalist to surrender information about the Real IRA.
But Belfast Recorder Tom Burgess stressed any decision, based on police arguments heard in private, could change once Sunday Tribune northern editor Suzanne Breen’s legal team put forward their case.
Lawyers for the Chief Constable want Ms Breen to hand over phones, computers, discs and notes related to articles she has written about the dissident republican terror grouping.
Police are seeking the material as part of their investigation into the murders of two soldiers in Antrim in March.
Ms Breen received the Real IRA’s claim of responsibility for the murders of Sappers Mark Quinsey, 23, and Patrick Azimkar, 21, who were shot dead as they collected pizzas outside Massereene barracks.
She is refusing to co-operate with the PSNI request, insisting she must protect her sources.
Her lawyers also claimed any compliance could threaten her right to life under the European Convention, pointing out how the dissidents have threatened anyone offering assistance to the Crown.
Following a police application heard in private last Friday, Judge Burgess said that based on what he had been told so far he may make the order sought.
He told Belfast Recorder’s Court: “If I heard absolutely nothing else in this case I would be minded to take a particular step.”
However, the judge made clear that no decision has yet been taken.
With Ms Breen’s lawyers still to put forward their reasons for rejecting the application, he assured Peter Girvan, for the journalist: “Where I will be after I hear your argument could be in a completely different place altogether.
“I have a totally open mind as to where this case is going to end up.”
A further hearing will take place later this month.
