Former RUC Officer Facing Murder Charges Residing in South Africa

Former RUC officer John Weir is charged with murder related to the Glenanne Gang and is currently living in South Africa. The PPS has confirmed the prosecution but has not detailed the number of charges. Families of victims have expressed concerns over the timing of the prosecutions and the ongoing delays in the Operation Newham report.

John Weir, a former sergeant of the Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC), is currently residing in South Africa while facing murder and conspiracy to murder charges associated with the infamous Glenanne Gang. The Public Prosecution Service (PPS) confirmed its decision to prosecute him, although it has not disclosed the total number of murder charges against him. Additionally, Weir is implicated in an attempted attack across the border.

The police ombudsman has reportedly reached out to the family of Elizabeth McDonald, who, along with Gerald McGleenan, was killed in a car bomb attack orchestrated by the Glenanne Gang in 1976. There is also an indication that relatives of another victim, Thomas McNamee, are being contacted. Mr. McNamee succumbed to injuries sustained in a previous explosion in 1974.

Inquiries regarding Weir’s potential extradition have led to the police directing questions to the ombudsman, who indicated that the matter is under the jurisdiction of the PPS. At the time of publication, the PPS had not issued a response.

The Glenanne Gang, comprising members of the RUC, Ulster Defence Regiment (UDR), and Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF), operated predominantly in the Mid-Ulster region during the 1970s. Based in Glenanne, the gang is believed to be responsible for approximately 125 murders, mainly targeting innocent Catholics. Currently, various investigations are underway, including Operation Newham and the Kenova investigation team.

The Police Ombudsman, Marie Anderson, has announced that the highly anticipated Newham report is not slated for publication by the April 30 deadline established by the British government’s Legacy Act. She stated that she is seeking an extension from the Northern Ireland Office (NIO) for this deadline.

Maria McShane, a survivor of the Step Inn bombing, expressed mixed feelings regarding the prosecution. Her daughter, Alana, emphasized the need for accountability not just for Weir but also for those in higher positions within the RUC and British government responsible for collusion policies. Alana expressed gratitude over the prosecution while highlighting the systemic issues at play.

Solicitor Kevin Winters, representing other victim families, voiced concerns about the timing of the prosecutions, suggesting it might serve as a distraction from pursuing actions against other former security personnel. Winters pointed out the feeling of disappointment regarding the delay of the Operation Newham report, which victims’ families have awaited for decades.

Gavin Booth of Phoenix Law, representing the McDonald family, welcomed the decision to prosecute Weir but noted that many suspects linked to the Glenanne murders remain uncharged. He asserted that this development illustrates that prosecutions concerning legacy matters from the 1970s are still possible with appropriate political will.

In summary, former RUC officer John Weir faces serious charges related to the Glenanne Gang while residing in South Africa. The decision by the Public Prosecution Service to prosecute him raises critical questions about accountability for historical crimes. The lack of clarity regarding the total number of charges, alongside delays in reporting from ongoing investigations, has left many families of victims feeling frustrated and distrustful. Continued advocacy for justice is essential in addressing the legacies of such tragic events.

Original Source: www.irishnews.com