18 December 1997 Edition
Mansfield to lead private prosecution against Hamill accused
TOP English barrister, Michael Mansfield has offered his services free of charge to the family of murdered Portadown man Robert Hamill.
And last week, Robert's family launched an appeal for funds to help them take the private prosecution against those responsibile.
During the public launch of the appeal in Belfast's Conway Mill Robert's sister, Diana, stated that money raised would be used to get to the truth about what happened.
``We intend to privately prosecute those we feel are responsible for Robert's death, directly or indirectly, by beating him or watching him being beaten. It is clear to everyone that my brother should not have been allowed to die.
``We have called on all influential groups and politicians to publically support our requests which are the immediate suspension of the RUC officers who could have intervened to save Robert and we want from the British government a judically led independent inquiry free from RUC interference.''
During the press conference, representatives of Belfast community and justice groups and business community signed pledges of support.
Breandan MacCionnaith who chaired the conference told An Phoblacht, ``nothing has changed since Robert Hamill's death.'' He went on to explain that on Saturday two Catholics were beaten by loyalists at the bottom of Woodhouse Street, close to Garvaghy Road in Portadown, while the RUC looked on.
The attack occurred as loyalists paraded near Woodhouse Street. As the RUC opened a gap to allow an RIR patrol through, the loyalists rushed through and set upon the men. One needed nine stitches in a head wound.
And last week, Robert's family launched an appeal for funds to help them take the private prosecution against those responsibile.
During the public launch of the appeal in Belfast's Conway Mill Robert's sister, Diana, stated that money raised would be used to get to the truth about what happened.
``We intend to privately prosecute those we feel are responsible for Robert's death, directly or indirectly, by beating him or watching him being beaten. It is clear to everyone that my brother should not have been allowed to die.
``We have called on all influential groups and politicians to publically support our requests which are the immediate suspension of the RUC officers who could have intervened to save Robert and we want from the British government a judically led independent inquiry free from RUC interference.''
During the press conference, representatives of Belfast community and justice groups and business community signed pledges of support.
Breandan MacCionnaith who chaired the conference told An Phoblacht, ``nothing has changed since Robert Hamill's death.'' He went on to explain that on Saturday two Catholics were beaten by loyalists at the bottom of Woodhouse Street, close to Garvaghy Road in Portadown, while the RUC looked on.
The attack occurred as loyalists paraded near Woodhouse Street. As the RUC opened a gap to allow an RIR patrol through, the loyalists rushed through and set upon the men. One needed nine stitches in a head wound.