Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Alleged IRA members face trial for murder

Sunday 25 October 1992 19:02 EST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

THREE alleged IRA members go on trial in Germany today accused of the murder of a British Army major and the bombing of a Rhine Army barracks.

Donna Maguire, Sean Hick and Paul Hughes are accused of acting in concert to murder Major Michael Dillon-Lee, who was shot outside his home in Dortmund in June 1990.

They are also accused of attempted murder in connection with a failed attempt to bomb a Rhine Army barracks in Hanover in May 1990. A second count of attempted murder relates to shots fired at police as Major Dillon- Lee's killers fled.

Mr Hick, 32, of Dublin, and Mr Hughes, 29, of Newry, Co Down, have pleaded not guilty and deny being members of the Provisional IRA. Ms Maguire, 26, of Newry, has yet to plead.

At the trial, in Dusseldorf, it will be claimed that the three were members of a five-strong IRA active service unit set up on the continent in early 1990.

Gerard Harte, still sought by the German police, is alleged to have been another member. Desmond Grew, shot dead by the security forces in Northern Ireland in October 1990, is said to have been the fifth.

Last year Ms Maguire, Mr Hick and Mr Hughes, together with Mr Harte, were acquitted by a Dutch court of killing two Australian tourists in Roermond in May 1990 after mistaking them for off-duty British servicemen.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in