15 May 1997 Edition

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RUC man convicted over Orange violence

By Mick Naughton.

An RUC man was found guilty last week of taking part in loyalist protests during last summer's Drumcree violence.

The convicted RUC man is one of three members of the RUC from the North Down area who were suspended on full pay after being accused of taking part in the Drumcree protests.

In a statement issued on Monday night the RUC said their officer had ``appeared recently at the local magistrates court charged with public order offences. He was found guilty and fined.''

It is now understood he is appealing the fine, but remains on full pay while ``an internal disciplinary investigation'' continues.

Sinn Féin justice spokesperson Barry McElduff described the case as symbolic given the fact that over 5,000 RUC members are members of the Orange Order.

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