Terry Spence says time for truth over on-the-runs scandal

The Chairman of the Police Federation for Northern Ireland, Terry Spence said it was time for the PSNI to “tell the truth” about the whole on-the-runs scandal.

He made his remarks after the PSNI told MPs that 95 republicans were linked to 295 murders.

Said Mr Spence: “The scale of what has been done cheapens the criminal- justice system, undermines confidence in the rule of law and is a blatant disregard for victims and relatives.

“In an underhand way, those found guilty/suspected of committing dreadful crimes have been pardoned with ‘OTR’ letters of comfort.

“This is an appalling catalogue of crime, and I can fully understand the depth of anger and heartache that it causes in households right -across Northern Ireland. Urgent clarification is the very least that is expected.”

“I’ve asked for clarity around this whole sordid business. Specifically, we want to know how many pardons were handed to terrorists – convicted of crimes against police officers who were serving this entire community.

“This drip feed of information is a damning indictment of those who signed off on decisions to placate and reward those who – MURDERED, BOMBED, TERRORISED and traumatised the people of Northern Ireland.

“It is toxic and, in my view, an abuse of power.

“It’s time to tell the whole story. How many of the 295 murder victims were police officers? Who were the eight killers pardoned?’’ he added.