Former RUC Officer Charged with Murder Resides in South Africa

Former RUC officer John Weir, implicated in murders linked to the Glenanne Gang, is believed to be living in South Africa. The Public Prosecution Service has confirmed charges against him but has not disclosed their number. Families of victims await justice while expressing skepticism about the timing and thoroughness of prosecutions concerning historical atrocities in Northern Ireland.

John Weir, a former RUC sergeant linked to the infamous Glenanne Gang, is reportedly residing in South Africa while facing murder charges. The Public Prosecution Service (PPS) confirmed its decision to prosecute Mr. Weir for murder and conspiracy to murder, along with charges related to an unsuccessful attack across the border. However, the PPS and Police Ombudsman have not disclosed the total number of murder charges against him.

The Police Ombudsman has reached out to the family of Elizabeth McDonald, a 32-year-old mother killed by a car bomb planted by the Glenanne Gang in August 1976, indicating an ongoing effort to communicate with victims’ families. They also contacted the family of Thomas McNamee, who succumbed to injuries sustained in a separate incident in 1974.

When inquiries about Mr. Weir’s extradition were made, the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) deferred to the Police Ombudsman, which noted that the case is under the jurisdiction of the PPS. As of the publication date, the PPS had not provided a comment on the matter.

The Glenanne Gang, comprising members of the RUC, UDR, and UVF, is believed to have executed approximately 125 murders during its operations in the 1970s. Their base was a farm owned by former RUC officer James Mitchell in Glenanne. Current investigations into their activities are being conducted by the Police Ombudsman alongside Operation Newham and the Kenova investigation team.

The Police Ombudsman has announced that the long-anticipated Newham report will not be released by the newly imposed April 30 deadline, which stems from the British government’s Legacy Act. Ombudsman Marie Anderson stated her office is seeking an extension on this deadline to ensure thoroughness.

Among the victims of the Step Inn bombing was Maria McShane, who suffered severe injuries while pregnant. Her daughter expressed cautious optimism about the prosecution of Mr. Weir, emphasizing the need for accountability among higher officials responsible for a policy of collusion.

Solicitor Kevin Winters commented on the skepticism shared by families regarding the timing of the prosecutions, suggesting it might be viewed as an inadequate response to the lack of action against other alleged perpetrators associated with security forces. He highlighted the enduring frustration over the delayed publication of the Operation Newham report, which families have awaited for decades.

Gavin Booth, representing the McDonald family, supported the prosecution decision while noting that many other suspects remain at large concerning the Glenanne murders. He expressed hope that ongoing political will would result in timely prosecutions for historical crimes, some dating back to the 1970s.

The situation regarding John Weir, a former RUC officer charged with multiple murders, emphasizes the complexities surrounding historical justice in Northern Ireland. Victims’ families, while encouraged by the prosecution, express skepticism and demand accountability beyond the present charges. The ongoing investigations reveal a deep-seated issue of collusion and the necessity for broader disclosures and actions against all involved parties.

Original Source: www.irishnews.com