UK Government to Contest Ruling on SAS Ambush of IRA Members
The UK Government plans to challenge a coroner's ruling regarding the justification of lethal force used by SAS soldiers in a 1992 ambush in Northern Ireland.
The UK Government has announced its intention to contest a recent coroner's ruling that deemed the actions of SAS soldiers, who killed four IRA members in a 1992 ambush in Co Tyrone, as unjustified.
This decision follows a finding by Mr Justice Michael Humphreys, the coroner, who concluded that the soldiers did not possess an honest belief that the use of lethal force was necessary during the operation.
The incident occurred on February 16, 1992, shortly after members of the Provisional IRA conducted a gun attack on the Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC) station in Coalisland.
The four individuals killed in the ambush were identified as Kevin Barry O’Donnell, 21, Sean O’Farrell, 23, Peter Clancy, 19, and Daniel Vincent, 20. In his ruling, Mr Justice Humphreys noted that no efforts were made by the soldiers to arrest any members of the IRA unit and criticized the planning of the operation for lacking measures to minimize the need for lethal force.
In a statement made on Saturday, Conservative MP James Cartlidge disclosed that Veterans Minister Alistair Carns confirmed the government's plan to seek a judicial review of the inquest ruling.
Mr Carns’ response indicated that the Ministry of Defence has already issued a pre-action protocol letter to the coroner outlining the legal basis for the application.
Mr Carns further elaborated that funding would be provided for a judicial review concerning the findings, which is expected to occur concurrently with the Ministry of Defence's application.
He highlighted the welfare and legal support being extended to the veterans involved in the incident.
Reflecting on the historical context, Mr Carns remarked on his pride as a veteran in the actions of armed forces members, police officers, and security services, all of whom endeavored to uphold peace and protect communities during the Troubles in Northern Ireland.
He underscored the difficult decisions faced by personnel in high-pressure situations.
Mr Cartlidge expressed satisfaction with the government's move, indicating that it would resonate positively among veterans affected by the ruling.
This decision follows a finding by Mr Justice Michael Humphreys, the coroner, who concluded that the soldiers did not possess an honest belief that the use of lethal force was necessary during the operation.
The incident occurred on February 16, 1992, shortly after members of the Provisional IRA conducted a gun attack on the Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC) station in Coalisland.
The four individuals killed in the ambush were identified as Kevin Barry O’Donnell, 21, Sean O’Farrell, 23, Peter Clancy, 19, and Daniel Vincent, 20. In his ruling, Mr Justice Humphreys noted that no efforts were made by the soldiers to arrest any members of the IRA unit and criticized the planning of the operation for lacking measures to minimize the need for lethal force.
In a statement made on Saturday, Conservative MP James Cartlidge disclosed that Veterans Minister Alistair Carns confirmed the government's plan to seek a judicial review of the inquest ruling.
Mr Carns’ response indicated that the Ministry of Defence has already issued a pre-action protocol letter to the coroner outlining the legal basis for the application.
Mr Carns further elaborated that funding would be provided for a judicial review concerning the findings, which is expected to occur concurrently with the Ministry of Defence's application.
He highlighted the welfare and legal support being extended to the veterans involved in the incident.
Reflecting on the historical context, Mr Carns remarked on his pride as a veteran in the actions of armed forces members, police officers, and security services, all of whom endeavored to uphold peace and protect communities during the Troubles in Northern Ireland.
He underscored the difficult decisions faced by personnel in high-pressure situations.
Mr Cartlidge expressed satisfaction with the government's move, indicating that it would resonate positively among veterans affected by the ruling.