10 September 1998 Edition
Stalker payout
Four English businessmen who accused the London Metropolitan police of malicious prosecution have won their case, and over ten million pounds in compensation.
The case is further evidence that the prosecutions were brought to discredit John Stalker, a friend of one of the men, who was conducting an investigation into the RUC's `shoot-to-kill' operationsin1982. The compensation award is already the highest ever paid out by the force, which still denies any liability, and is set to rise significantly as the award in respect of two of the men has yet to be finalised.
The human rights group, the Relatives For Justice, have called for the opening of all files relating to `shoot-to-kill' and the publication of the Stalker/Samson report, as well as the Stevens inquiry into the collusion between the RUC and loyalist death squads.
The case is further evidence that the prosecutions were brought to discredit John Stalker, a friend of one of the men, who was conducting an investigation into the RUC's `shoot-to-kill' operationsin1982. The compensation award is already the highest ever paid out by the force, which still denies any liability, and is set to rise significantly as the award in respect of two of the men has yet to be finalised.
The human rights group, the Relatives For Justice, have called for the opening of all files relating to `shoot-to-kill' and the publication of the Stalker/Samson report, as well as the Stevens inquiry into the collusion between the RUC and loyalist death squads.