URGENT UPDATE: The Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland has just announced that a recent investigation found no definitive link between police weapons and the murders of two RUC constables, Harold Beckett and Gary Meyer. This revelation comes after Deputy Chief Constable Bobby Singleton issued a public apology on behalf of the PSNI for their handling of the cases.
The inquiry, led by Ombudsman Marie Anderson, focused on two tragic incidents dating back to June 30, 1990, and October 4, 1989, which resulted in the deaths of RUC officers Beckett and Meyer. The investigation was prompted by allegations that weapons returned to paramilitary groups by the Weapons and Explosives Research Centre (WERC) were used in these murders.
Statements from two men, including a former police officer and a civilian associated with WERC, suggested that operational firearms were misappropriated, potentially leading to these brutal killings. However, the Ombudsman’s office confirmed that the specific weapons mentioned in these allegations were not linked to the murders of Beckett and Meyer.
In a poignant statement, Anderson remarked, “My investigation has established that the weapons referred to in the statements were not those used in the murders.” However, she added, “it has not been possible to conclude definitively on whether WERC had any involvement in the weapons which were used in their murders.”
In response to the findings, Deputy Chief Constable Singleton expressed deep regret for the impact of the PSNI’s failings on the families involved. “Our first thoughts today are with the families of Constable Harold Beckett, Constable Gary Meyer, and James Henry Babington, who have had to live with the devastating loss of their loved ones by terrorists for many years,” Singleton stated. He emphasized that this was yet another difficult day for the victims’ families and reiterated the PSNI’s commitment to addressing past mistakes.
The investigation also took into account complaints from the families of the deceased, including Beckett’s daughter, who voiced concerns about the RUC’s handling of the investigation into her father’s murder. The Ombudsman’s findings reflect ongoing scrutiny of historical police practices during a tumultuous period in Northern Ireland’s history.
As the implications of this investigation unfold, it raises critical questions about police accountability and the handling of evidence in high-profile murder cases. The PSNI has committed to learning from this inquiry as they strive to strengthen trust with the communities they serve.
What’s Next: Moving forward, the PSNI is expected to review their procedures and policies to prevent similar failings in the future. Families of the victims are likely to seek further clarification and accountability, ensuring that their loved ones’ legacies are honored amidst these ongoing investigations.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
