Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
SIX PSNI RAPPED OVER DOUBLE MURDER CASE
Victims killed by violent ex let out on bail
SIX PSNI officers have been disciplined over failings that may have led to the death of a woman and her friend at the hands of a violent ex.
Caron Smyth, 40, and 42-year-old Finbar Mcgrillen were beaten to death by Shaun Hegarty and Ciaran Nugent.
Their murders at Ravenhill Court in South Belfast on December 13, 2013, took place just three days after Hegarty was released on police bail for allegedly assaulting Ms Smyth with a metal bar.
Now Police Ombudsman Dr Michael Maguire has blasted PSNI decisions that led to his release.
In a report published this morning, he said more appropriate action may have reduced the likelihood of the attack.
During the course of his investigation he identified one “very competent” officer who “did the best he could”. But went on to recommend disciplinary
action against eight others, six of which have been carried out.
One was later retracted and the other officer was forced to retire.
Dr Maguire’s report catalogues a series of flawed decisions.
It says: “This was a man who was flagged on police systems as a violent offender and who had breached court bail conditions the previous weekend when they believed he committed a violent assault.”
Cops released Hegarty to a different location, even though only a court can authorise a change of bail address.
Dr Maguire added: “This man was known to police as a violent offender who wore an electrically powered tag to monitor his movements at night.
“Later, they released him from police custody to a house which had no electricity supply.”
Responding to the report, Asst Chief Constable Alan Todd said: “At the outset, we extend our sincere sympathies to the families of Caron Smyth and Finbar Mcgrillen. This report is difficult reading and I acknowledge that on this occasion we failed to effectively manage the risk posed to the public by Shaun Hegarty and for that we apologise.
“The Police Ombudsman made five policy recommendations within this report in seeking to help prevent such events happening again and we have accepted these in full.
“We have disciplined a number of officers and are in the process of addressing issues raised in terms of our systems and processes, such as reminding every officer of their responsibilities when dealing with bail.
“It may be no comfort for the families of Caron Smyth and Finbar Mcgrillen but I would reassure the public we will take learning from this and ensure steps are taken to help prevent a tragedy like this occurring again.”