A terminally ill man has welcomed a personal apology from Northern Ireland's chief constable over police failings that may have prevented his brother's murder 30 years ago. Eugene Thompson received the hospital bedside delivery of the apology, which acknowledges serious shortcomings in the investigation into his brother's death.
Paul Thompson, 25, was shot dead by loyalist terrorists in 1994 while travelling home in a taxi near Springfield Park in Belfast. Earlier that evening, UDA terrorists had reportedly cut through a peace line fence to access the area, with this suspicious activity being reported to police.
Chief constable delivers hospital apology
Chief Constable Jon Boutcher personally delivered the apology to Eugene Thompson at his hospital bed in Belfast on Tuesday. The formal statement describes Paul Thompson's murder as "tragic and senseless" and pays tribute to both Eugene and their late mother Margaret for showing "great courage and resilience in their journey for the truth about his murder".
The apology acknowledges that the murder was never subject to a full and effective investigation under article two of the European Convention on Human Rights. It accepts findings by the former Historical Enquiries Team that police could have provided patrols in the area after the suspicious activity was reported.
Police admit preventable failures
"That dedicated action may have prevented Paul's murder," the apology states. The document also acknowledges that the original investigation failed to identify or pursue all lines of inquiry and caused significant disclosure delays at the inquest.
"The police service apologises unreservedly to Eugene for the above failings on the part of policing which impacted adversely both on the delivery of justice for Paul and on his family's quest for the truth," the statement said. The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) committed to being "more open, transparent and victim-focused" in helping families affected by the Troubles.
Supreme Court ruling awaited
The apology comes as Eugene Thompson awaits a crucial Supreme Court ruling on disclosure of sensitive security force files. The UK Government took legal action to prevent coroner Louisa Fee from releasing a summary of evidence following an inquest into Paul Thompson's death.
Eugene Thompson welcomed Chief Constable Boutcher's personal visit and swift action in delivering the apology. "I thanked Jon Boutcher for coming himself and for acting quickly in delivering the apology from the PSNI after we had asked for it," he said.
Legal battle continues
However, Thompson expressed frustration at the ongoing delay from the Supreme Court. "That's different to the British Supreme Court, who also know my situation, and I had hoped they would have made their judgment by now, but there is no sign of it," he said.
"The apology makes clear the RUC didn't investigate and arrest suspects when they could have and that they could have done things that could have prevented Paul's murder," Thompson added. Daniel Holder, director of the Committee on the Administration of Justice, said Thompson and his mother had "long fought for justice and truth in relation to Paul's murder".
Court ruling still pending
Holder noted that the High Court and Court of Appeal had ruled over a year ago that Eugene was entitled to see the information, but the Secretary of State appealed to the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court hearing took place in early June, but Eugene Thompson continues to await the ruling whilst battling terminal illness.
A PSNI spokesperson confirmed the meeting, saying Chief Constable Boutcher "held a private meeting with Mr Eugene Thompson, the brother of Liam Paul Thompson, during which he provided a statement of apology on behalf of the Police Service of Northern Ireland for failings identified on the part of the RUC and PSNI".
(PA) Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
