PSNI Collusion!

antrim | miscellaneous | other press Monday January 17, 2005 15:37 by Redbhoy - none

Will it ever end??

PSNI blunder caused collapse of case against senior Orangeman

A PSNI paperwork blunder led to the collapse of public order case against a senior Orangeman, according to a report by the Police Ombudsman, Nuala O'Loan.

The PSNI had recommended that charges be levelled against the man after a controversial Orange Order march through the so-called "peaceline" in west Belfast in 2003.

The marchers had ignored a Parades Commission ruling banning them from flying paramilitary regalia and playing sectarian music.

In her report into the matter, Ms O'Loan said a combination of human error and computer mistakes had caused the case against the Orangeman to collapse.

She called for procedural improvements to ensure there is no repeat of the blunder, but did not recommend disciplinary action and said there was no evidence of any criminal activity by the police.