BUNGLING COPS APOLOGISE TO DAVID BLACK’S FAMILY OVER MCLAUGHLIN BAIL CHECK COCK-UPS

Damien McLaughlin charged with aiding and abetting the murder of prison officer David Black

RED faced police investigating the murder of prison officer David Black have visited his family to personally apologise after a convicted terrorist charged over his killing went missing LAST NOVEMBER.

On-the-run Damien Joseph McLaughlin, 40, of Kilmascally Road near Ardboe, is due to stand trial next month on charges that include aiding and abetting his murder.

However, in court on Friday, police said he had breached his bail conditions.

Detectives on both sides of the border are now hunting him.

In an amazing admission, a prosecution lawyer told Mr Jusitce Treacy that McLaughlin They said he had not been seen by them since November.

Mr Black’s family said they feel betrayed by the justice system.

Mr Black was shot dead by dissident republicans as he drove along the M1 on his way to work at the top security Maghaberry prison in November 2012.

“Senior detectives involved in the case met with Mrs Black and her son Kyle this afternoon at the family home to offer sincere apologies on behalf of the PSNI for the stress and worry this situation is creating for them,” Ch Supt Raymond Murray said on Tuesday.

“The officers spent a number of hours discussing the matter and listening to the concerns of Mrs Black and Kyle, as well as providing reassurance of the steps police are taking to locate the whereabouts of Damien McLaughlin.

“It was an honest and constructive meeting and we will keep Mr Black’s family updated as we continue our enquiries.

“We also informed them that we intend to review this matter in order to ensure that the processes currently in place surrounding bail checks are robust and will provide the necessary requirements for both the families of the victims and the police.”

David Black with with daughter Kyra and son Kyle in happier times

McLaughlin had served just over two years in prison for possession of guns and ammunition.

He spent time in prison on remand on charges connected to Mr Black’s killing, but was released on bail in May 2014. A series of conditions imposed were later varied, including the removal of a stipulation that he had to wear an electronic tag and a reduction in the number of days he had to report to police.

At Belfast Crown Court on Friday, Mr Justice Treacy revoked McLaughlin’s bail after being told that he had failed to sign with police in November and had not been seen by them since.

When police carried out a bail search of an address in west Belfast where McLaughlin was to reside, they found milk in the fridge which was four weeks out of date.

Kyle Black said the decision to relax the bail conditions was “laughable to say the least”.

“What is even more farcical is that someone with previous terrorist convictions and who is charged with further terrorist-related offences cannot sign bail (which should be completed daily) for more than five weeks and takes until then before concerns are raised about his location,” he said.

Share |


Comments are closed.

BD Top 5
FacebookTwitter
BD TV
Email Us