Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Man held over 1997 murder of cop is freed
Victim was killed in city gay bar
A FORMER defence minister said he is concerned military veterans will be “scapegoated” for actions during the Troubles.
Mark Francois’ intervention came after the outgoing head of the armed forces, Air Chief Marshal Sir Stuart Peach, said he was uneasy at the prospect of a historical investigations unit being established.
He told MPS: “Within this House there is growing concern at the prospect of brave servicemen being effectively scapegoated for political or financial gain.
“We call our servicemen and women heroes, we should treat them accordingly.
“So would the Prime Minister be prepared to at least entertain some investigation into the concept of a statute of limitations in order to protect those who have served?”
Theresa May replied: “We don’t just call them heroes, they are heroes.” A MAN arrested yesterday by detectives investigating the INLA murder of an RUC officer has been released.
Constable Darren Bradshaw was shot dead in a Belfast gay bar in 1997.
The terror group claimed responsibility for the murder of the 24-year-old, who was the first member of the RUC to be killed following the IRA ceasefire in 1994.
Mr Bradshaw was drinking with friends in the Parliament Bar when the gunman, wearing a wig as a disguise, singled him out and shot him in front of customers.
Detective Inspector Debbie Eakin said: “A man in his 40s arrested in Belfast in relation to the 1997 murder of Darren Bradshaw at Dunbar Street in the city has been released pending report to the PPS.
“Constable Bradshaw was shot dead in the Parliament Bar at 10pm on Friday, May 9, 1997. It was reported that two men entered the premises and while one stayed in the lobby, the other entered the bar and shot Con Bradshaw three times.
“They escaped in a red Toyota. Constable Bradshaw died at the scene.
“His family were made aware of the arrest.”