LEADEING DISSIDENT COLIN DUFFY ABANDONS LEGAL ACTION AGAINST POLICE

Senior dissident republican Colin Duffy drops legal action against the police

Senior dissident republican Colin Duffy drops legal action against the police

SENIOR dissident republican Colin Duffy has dramatically dropped a legal action over being arrested and charged with murdering two RUC officers.

The Lurgan terror suspect was seeking damages for alleged wrongful arrest, false imprisonment and malicious prosecution over the shootings in his hometown 16 years ago.

The two beat police officers were gunned down by an IRA man who cycled up to them and shot them dead at close range before fleeing the scene.

The 45-year-old’s claim against the RUC and British Attorney General was due to get underway at the High Court in Belfast on Monday.

But following out of court discussions between both sides, a judge was informed that the case was no longer proceeding.

Senior counsel for Duffy asked Mr Justice Gillen: “Would your lordship by consent enter judgment for the defendants against the plaintiff, with no order for costs.”

Duffy had issued proceedings over his detention following the IRA murders of Constables David Johnston and John Graham.

The pair were gunned down while on foot patrol in Lurgan in June 1997.

Duffy was initially accused of the murders, but months later the charges were dropped due to insufficient evidence. He has always denied any involvement in the killings.

His civil action was listed for a five-day hearing before lawyers confirmed it would not be proceeding.

Duffy is not liable for costs because he had secured legal aid.

He is also to bring a legal action against the PSNI after he was arrested last November over the murder of prison officer David Black.

Police held for two days at the serious crime suite in Antrim.

However, when detectives applied in court for an extenison to his detentioon, police refused to hand over intelligence linking Duffy to the murder.

As a result, the extension period was denied and Duffy was set free.

 

 

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