Police probe IRA man’s ‘confession’ over pub bombs Force demands BBC tapes of full interview
WEST Midlands Police has demanded the full records of a BBC interview with an ex-IRA explosives expert who admitted he was involved in the Birmingham pub bombings.
Chief constable David Thompson said his officers had already carefully reviewed an interview with Michael Christopher Hayes.
Mr Thompson told a police meeting on Tuesday that the investigation into who was responsible for the attack had never been closed.
He added: “While not an active investigation, this has never been closed.
“Our approach has been that, when new facts come to light, they are scrutinised carefully.
“In terms of this specific case, we have carefully reviewed the interview. I have written to the BBC to ask for all of the footage to enable us to do a full assessment of what was said during this interview.
“The individual who made comments is outside the UK.
“A decision on what additional action could be taken would be made in conjunction with the CPS.
“It is not my intention to engage in a running commentary but we are actively reviewing this.
“At the stage where we have a clearer view on what action would be appropriate, we will make sure the families and the coroner are fully informed.”
David Jamieson said he had asked Chief Constable David Thompson to look for any new evidence arising from comments made by Hayes. the
“We need to examine what he said with great care,” said Mr Jamieson.
He spoke as pressure increased on the force to take action.
A total of 21 people died after IRA bombers attacked two city centre bars, The Mulberry Bush and The Tavern In The Town, on November 21, 1974. More than 180 were injured.
A botched police inquiry led to six men being wrongfully convicted and serving almost 17 years before having their sentences quashed. No-one has ever been brought to justice.
In the interview Hayes said he was sorry over the deaths and offered “heartfelt sympathies”.
But he refused to say whether he planted the bombs himself or identify those responsible.
Instead, he said he was speaking out from “the point of view of a participant”.
He claimed to have personally defused a third bomb left on Birmingham’s Hagley Road on the same night, when the death toll from the first two explosions became apparent. Police have since lost the remains of the third device.
Hayes said he was in the IRA for more than 30 years in both Ireland and England, adding that he was “a participant in the IRA’s activities in Birmingham.”
Families of branded him less”.
Julie Hambleton, whose sister Maxine, 18, was among the victims, speaks for the Justice4the21 campaign group.
She said: “He’s a coward, as simple as that. He’ll take collective responsibility for those unarmed, innocent people, but won’t say who did it.”
Kenny Donaldson of Innocent Victims United, which supports 11,500 victims and survivors of the Troubles, said: “Michael Christopher Hayes is playing silly beggars and has actually admitted to nothing of substance.
“If his remorse and repentance were genuine then this individual would formally speak to the authorities advising of his specific crimes as well as those of his fellow terrorists.”
West Midlands Police confirmed the investigation remains open and said it will respond to “any new significant information to bring those responsible to justice”.
“An inquest is due to start and we will not be providing any further comment until the proceedings have concluded,” said a police spokesman.
Coroner Peter Thornton has ruled out an investigation into the perpetrators behind the bombings at the inquest, sparking fury and dismay from the families.
He said it was not in the public interest. the victims have “gutless and spine-