Stakeknife-linked legal bid put on hold

Posted By: February 28, 2016

News Letter (Belfast)  Feb  26 , 2016

A legal bid to secure a wide-ranging investigation into the circumstances surrounding up to 50 killings allegedly linked to the top British agent in the IRA has been put on hold.

Freddie Scappaticci pictured. ©UTV

Alan Erwin, News Letter (Belfast)  Feb  26 , 2016

Lawyers for the family of murdered Belfast woman Caroline Moreland were due to seek a judicial review at the High Court on Friday, over the type of probe into the activities of the army’s prized intelligence asset, who operated under the codename Stakeknife.

But a judge agreed to adjourn the case until May after being told senior counsel is now to be brought in to represent her children.

Ms Moreland, a 34-year-old Catholic mother of three, was abducted and killed by the IRA in

July 1994 for being an alleged British informer.

Her children issued proceedings aimed at obtaining a full investigation into a series of murders attributed to the paramilitary organization’s internal security team.

In October last year, Director of Public Prosecutions Barra McGrory QC called for police to examine Stakeknife’s activities, along with what was known by RUC Special Branch and MI5.

Although relatives of those allegedly killed by the IRA’s so-called ‘Nutting Squad’ have backed that move, they are opposed to the PSNI taking charge.

At an earlier hearing it was claimed that west Belfast man Freddie Scappaticci was permitted to engage in the campaign in order to strengthen his position as a British spy.

Scappaticci left Northern Ireland in 2003 when he was identified by the media as Stakeknife. Before quitting his home, he vehemently denied being the agent.

Counsel for the Moreland family argue that police with no ties to Northern Ireland should carry out the investigation.

During an earlier stage in the case it was claimed that relatives of up to 50 murder victims are waiting for answers.

It was previously confirmed that Chief Constable George Hamilton has decided detectives from an external force should handle the inquiry.

Any investigation into Stakeknife could last five years and cost up to £35m.

With the Chief Constable telling Stormont’s justice committee that no extra money will be made available, counsel for the Moreland family told the court today: “The factual backdrop is constantly changing.”

Sean Devine added: “It does look like police funding in respect of this investigation will have to come from the core police budget, as opposed to any ancillary budget.”

He also confirmed moves to bring in a QC to lead the continuing legal challenge.

Despite expressing concern over the last-minute request for an adjournment, Mr Justice Maguire agreed re-list the case for hearing in May.