Charges against PSNI man dropped

A charge of dangerous driving brought against a PSNI member after an investigation by the Police Ombudsman's Office was dropped at a Belfast Court on Monday 29 November.

The charge against Trevor Purcell arose out of an incident during rioting in Ardoyne, North Belfast in July 2001, when the PSNI Land Rover he was driving mounted a footpath and was driven at nationalist residents. The trouble arose out of the decision by the Parades Commission to allow an Orange Parade to march past Ardoyne shops.

The case was investigated by the Police Ombudsman, Nuala O'Loan, after footage of the incident was shown on television news broadcasts.

Purcell first appeared in court in May last year but since then the case was adjourned 28 times.

The case was dismissed last week by magistrate Des Perry without having to hear the defence.

Irwin Montgomery, chairman of the PSNI Federation, said the case "flagged up major concerns" his organisation had about the Police Ombudsman.

A spokesperson for the Ombudsman's Office said they were disappointed by Montgomery's comments. "As he will be aware, it is the DPP who determines whether or not to prosecute, not the Police Ombudsman."

The spokeperson added that any objective viewing of the case would support the view that it should have been decided in court.