Loyalist leader arrested in Finucane murder inquiry
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Your support makes all the difference.A prominent Loyalist was arrested yesterday in connection with the 1989 assassination of Pat Finucane, a Belfast solicitor
The arrest of William "Mo" Courtney was ordered by the team, headed by Metropolitan Police Commissioner, Sir John Stevens, investigating Mr Finucane's murder and allegations of collusion between loyalists and the security forces. It is thought unlikely that Mr Courtney, 39, will be charged with the murder. The paramilitary Ulster Defence Association shot dead a former member, William Stobie, in January after charges against him of murdering Mr Finucane were dropped.
Attention is now focused on a UDA man, Ken Barrett, who was hurriedly moved out of Belfast by the Stevens team shortly afterwards. He is now in hiding in Britain. The Stevens team is reportedly hopeful that Mr Barrett will become a "supergrass" and agree to testify against his former associates. His life is already under threat from the UDA, with graffiti in west Belfast accusing him of being an informer. His emergence as a supergrass would open the way for charges to be brought against other UDA figures. The Stevens inquiry is due to provide reports to the Northern Ireland Chief Constable and the Director of Public Prosecutions by June.
The Finucane killing has generated lasting controversy, with a series of revelations and allegations leading to calls for inquiries from sources including the United Nations Human Rights Commission. More than 1,000 legal figures from around the world have signed a petition pressing for an inquiry.
The affair has stayed so high on the political agenda that many believe the Government will eventually set up an inquiry.
* The Police Service of Northern Ireland presented its new image to the public yesterday, unveiling the new uniform and crest that officers will wear after 5 April, the day its first new recruits graduate.For the first time, officers will wear a clearly displayed name badge rather than a police number.
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