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Dallat: PSNI must justify its day in court over Claudy

The Chief Constable must tell the public how much money was spent in the high court to gain access to or stop the BBC ‘Spotlight’ Programme broadcast on Tuesday night which focussing on the Claudy Bombings of 1972.

Wed 3rd November

SDLP East Derry MLA John Dallat has called for a full disclosure of the human resources and money spent on what he describes as a futile attempt to stop the media carrying out its duty to produce investigative programmes in the public interest.

 

He said:

 

“The judge was quite right to throw the case out and give the PSNI a severe wrap over the knuckles for their attempt to extend the boundaries of existing case law.

 

“Had this case succeeded there is no telling what next the Chief Constable would do to interfere in the work of investigative journalists who have a duty to probe into many aspects of life which have had a profound impact on people’s lives. 

 

“The Claudy Bombing, despite the fact that 38 years have passed since that dreadful day, is still of immense public interest for many reasons and hopefully the programme will assist in the continuing search for the truth, whatever that may be.

 

“The public have a right to know how public money is being spent particularly where there was so much damning criticism from the courts for taking this case in the first place. 

 

“The question is: how much money which could have been used to pay the wages of community policemen to protect local neighbourhoods was squandered in the High Court? I intend to ask for answers under Freedom of Information.”   igh H

 

John Dallat

John Dallat MLA

Email john.dallat@mla.niassembly.gov.uk
Tel 028 2954 1880

Press Office

Tel 028 90 52 1837

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