Adams will not be prosecuted over McConville death

Gerry Adams

Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams and six other individuals who were reported to Northern Ireland’s public prosecution service by the PSNI in relation to the abduction and murder of Jean McConville will not be prosecuted.

The Louth TD presented himself at Antrim police station in April 2014 where he was arrested and held for four days before his release on 4 May.

Ms McConville, a widowed mother of ten, was abducted from her home in the Divis flats in Belfast in December 1972.

She was interrogated, shot in the back of the head and then secretly buried south of the border – becoming one of the “Disappeared” victims of the Troubles.

Her body was not found until 2003, when a storm uncovered her remains at Shelling Hill beach in north Louth, 80km from her home.

Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions Pamela Atchison said: “We have given careful consideration to the evidence currently available in respect to each of the three men and four women reported and have concluded that it is insufficient to provide a reasonable prospect of obtaining a conviction against any of them for a criminal offence.”

Jean McConville with some of her 10 children prior to her abduction

The PPS said the evidence against the seven came from a number of different sources.

In some cases hearsay evidence was provided by the Boston College Belfast Project, it added.

The PPS noted that “there has already been a decision to prosecute an eighth individual, Ivor Bell, who was arrested and charged in March 2014 and is currently before the court. The decision is to prosecute Ivor Bell on charges of soliciting the murder of Jean McConville.”

Ms Atchison added that the PPS had had a number of meetings with the McConville family and had kept them up to date on all decisions about prosecutions.

She thanked the family for their engagement, and said the PPS would continue to engage with them on the prosecution of Mr Bell.

Bell to be prosecuted over Jean McConville murder

Jean McConville with some of her 10 children prior to her abduction

The prosecution of a veteran Republican accused of involvement in the notorious IRA murder of Belfast mother of ten Jean McConville is to proceed.

Prosecutors confirmed to District Judge George Conner in Belfast Magistrates Court yesterday their intent to pursue the charges facing pensioner Ivor Bell.

Bell (78) form Ramoan Gardens in west Belfast, is charged with aiding and abetting the murder of the widow, who was abducted from her home in west Belfast in 1972. Her remains were found in August 2003 at Shelling Hill beach in North Louth.

Bell is further accused of IRA membership but denies the charges.

Sinn Féin president and local TD Gerry Adams was last year arrested and questioned as part of the police investigation into Mrs McConville’s death.

The Louth TD has consistently rejected allegations made to Boston College by former republican colleagues including Brendan Hughes and Dolours Price that he had a role in ordering her death.

The PPS continues to review a file on Mr Adams.

McConville’s son hits out at Adams’ comments

Gerry Adams

The son of Jean McConville, the widowed Belfast mother of 10, who was murdered in Belfast by the IRA in 1972 has criticised comments made about the case on US TV by Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams.

In an interview broadcast on CBS Mr Adams denied having any role in the murder of Mrs McConville and told interviewer Scott Pelley that he never pulled a trigger, set off a bomb or ordered a death.

When pushed by Mr Pelley about the death of Mrs McConville, Mr Adams said: “That’s what happens in wars, Scott,” Mr Adams said. “That’s not [to] minimise it – that’s what American soldiers do, British soldiers do, Irish republican soldiers do – that’s what happens in every single conflict.”

Speaking to RTÉ yesterday Michael McConville was critical of the Sinn Féin leader’s comments.

“I think to be honest that Gerry Adams is a hypocrite. If this happened to an IRA family and 10 children were left orphaned, would he say the same thing?”

Addressing Mr Adams’ comment that his mother’s death was “what happens in wars,” Mr McConville said: “If this was a war then the execution and the death and the burial of our mother and the kidnap of our mother is a war crime”.

“If this had happened in any other conflict around the world people would have been brought to justice for war crimes,” he added.

Ms McConville’s body was discovered on Shelling Hill beach in North Louth in 2003.

Adams under fire for McConville comments

Local TD Gerry Adams has come under fire after describing the abduction and murder of mother-of-ten Jean McConville as something that “happens in war”.

The Sinn Féin president said the horrific murder in the early 1970s was no different to what occurred in conflicts involving US and British armed forces.

Jean McConville with some of her 10 children prior to her abduction

Ms McConville was taken from her home in front of her children and murdered by the IRA in 1972.

Mr Adams was arrested last year for questioning in connection with the young woman’s murder and disappearance. He was later released without charge.

In an interview with US television station CBS, Mr Adams is asked about his arrested and the Boston College tapes, in which former IRA members alleged he was involved in Ms McConville’s murder

“I was sick, sore and tired of a tsunami of stories based on these tapes linking me to Mrs McConville’s death. So I contacted the police and said, ‘Look you want to talk to me, I’m here to talk,” Mr Adams told the CBS’s 60 Minutes.

Mr Adams was held for four days and asked to listen to the Boston College recordings.

“They said I was a senior member of the IRA at managerial level and I was bound to know….I told them I didn’t,” Mr Adams said.

In a preview of the show due to be aired on Sunday, interviewer Scott Pelley then asked Mr Adams “how do you orphan 10 children, what kind of depravity is that?”

Mr Adams responded: “That’s that happens in war, Scott. That’s not to minimise it. That’s what American soldiers do, British soldiers do, Irish republican soldiers do, you know. That’s what happens in every single conflict.”

Ms McConville’s remains were discovered on Shelling Hill beach in North Louth in 2003.

58-year-old man arrested in connection with death of Jean McConville

Jean McConville with some of her 10 children prior to her abduction

Detectives in the North have arrested a 58 year-old man in connection with the murder and abduction of Jean McConville in 1972.

The man was arrested in west Belfast this morning and brought to the Serious Crime Suite in Antrim Police Station.

This is the latest in a series of arrests in connection with Mrs McConville’s death this year.

In December 1972, Mrs McConville, a mother of 10, was abducted from her home in the Divis flats in west Belfast by a gang of up to 12 men and women.

Her family had later speculated the IRA wrongly assumed she was an informer. Mrs McConville had also converted from Protestant to Catholic to marry her husband Arthur McConville, a Catholic former British Army soldier who died of cancer in early 1972.

In the years that followed the signing of the Belfast Agreement, the Republican movement insisted Mrs McConville was an informer.

Former IRA member Brendan Hughes alleged she had only been killed after being warned to stop supplying information. However, a Police Ombudsman investigation in 2006 found no evidence to support that contention.

It also concluded the murder had not been investigated until 1995, when a minor probe was undertaken by the RUC.

After years of searching, Mrs McConville’s body was found in 2003 when heavy rain unearthed the remains at Shelling Hill Beach on the Cooley peninsula in Co Louth, 50 miles from her home.

73-year-old released without charge following McConville questioning

Jean McConville with some of her 10 children prior to her abduction

A 73-year-old man who was arrested yesterday by detectives investigating the abduction and murder of Jean McConville has been released without charge.

The man was detained by detectives from the Serious Crime Branch of the PSNI in Dunmurray yesterday morning.

He was taken to the Serious Crime Suite at Antrim police station for questioning and later released unconditionally, PSNI detective inspector Neil McGuiness said.

Several people have been detained and questioned this year in connection with the 1972 murder, the most high profile being Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams. Mr Adams (65) was released in May without charge after four days in police custody.

Yesterday’s arrest came as Belfast man Ivor Bell (77), who has been charged with paramilitary membership and aiding and abetting the murder, made his latest appearance in court in relation to the case.

In December 1972, Mrs McConville was dragged, screaming, away from her children in the Divis flats in west Belfast by a gang of up to 12 men and women.

Her family had later speculated the IRA wrongly assumed she was an informer. Mrs McConville had also converted from Protestant to Catholic to marry her husband Arthur McConville, a Catholic former British Army soldier who died of cancer in early 1972.

There has also been a suggestion, although uncorroborated, that she tended to a wounded British soldier outside her door in the summer, just months before her murder.

In the years that followed the signing of the Good Friday Agreement, the Republican movement insisted Mrs McConville was an informer.

Former IRA member Brendan Hughes alleged she had only been killed after being warned to stop supplying information. However, a Police Ombudsman investigation in 2006 found no evidence to support that contention.

It also concluded the murder had not been investigated until 1995, when a minor probe was undertaken by the RUC.

After years of searching, Mrs McConville’s body was found in 2003 when heavy rain unearthed the remains at Shellinghill Beach on the Cooley peninsula, 50 miles from her home.

Man arrested over Jean McConville murder

Jean McConville with some of her 10 children prior to her abduction

A man has been arrested in connection with the abduction and murder of Jean McConville in 1972.

The 73-year-old from Dunmurray was detained by detectives from the Serious Crime Branch of the PSNI this morning.

“He has been taken to the Serious Crime Suite at Antrim police station for questioning,” PSNI detective inspector Neil McGuiness said.

Several people have been detained and questioned this year in connection with the murder – the most high profile being Sinn Féin president and local TD Gerry Adams. Mr Adams (65) was released in May without charge after four days in police custody.

Mrs McConville was dragged, screaming, away from her children in the Divis flats in west Belfast by a gang of up to 12 men and women after being wrongly accused of informing to the security forces.

The 37-year-old widow was interrogated, shot in the back of the head and then secretly buried – becoming one of the ‘Disappeared’ victims of the Troubles. Her body was not found until 2003 on a beach in Shelling Hill in north Louth, 50 miles from her home.

Adams insists he had no part in McConville murder

Gerry Adams

Sinn Féin leader and local TD Gerry Adams has insisted he was not involved in the murder of Jean McConville, following his release from police custody at the weekend.

A file is to be sent to the Public Prosecution Service.

Loyalist protesters attempted to block his exit from Antrim Police Station, but Mr Adams left by a back gate.

The Sinn Féin President and Louth TD was questioned for four days by police in Co Antrim investigating the IRA abduction and murder of Ms McConville in 1972.

Speaking at a press conference following his release, Mr Adams said he was innocent of any involvement in the murder of Mrs McConville.

Mr Adams said he made himself available to talk to police following a “sustained, malicious, untruthful and sinister campaign” against him alleging his involvement in Ms McConville’s death.

While he said he was “concerned about the timing” of the arrest, he insisted that he fully supported the PSNI.

Mr Adams said he was “innocent of any involvement in any conspiracy to abduct, kill or bury Mrs McConville.

He added: “When the PSNI contacted my solicitor on Monday afternoon I was concerned about the timing, given that Sinn Fein is involved in a very important European election and local government elections across the island of Ireland.”

In a statement Northern Ireland Director of Public Prosecutions Barra McGroy said he will not take a decision on the files in relation to Gerry Adams, but this decision will be passed to his deputy.

This development was expected in light of the fact that Mr McRory has acted as solicitor to Mr Adams in the past.

Downing Street confirmed that David Cameron and Taoiseach Enda Kenny had spoken to discuss the situation surrounding Mr Adams’ arrest, but would not give any further details of the call.

Meanwhile, Michael McConville, a son of Jean McConville called for an independent investigation by a team from outside Northern Ireland so no political pressure is applied.

Mr McConville described as an 11-year-old boy watching his mother be dragged in fear from her home in Divis flats in west Belfast by neighbours whom he recognised.

But he said he was too afraid to give their names in case he or his family are shot.

He said tonight: “We would like to see all the investigations taken out of Northern Ireland, we would like an independent body to do this so there is no political pressure on the police.”

Mr McConville also vowed that his family’s fight for justice would go on and said recent days had been difficult and stressful.

“The McConville family is going to stay to the bitter end of this till we get justice for our mother.

Earlier, Northern Ireland’s Deputy First Minister Martin McGuiness reiterated his belief that the arrest of Mr Adams was politically motivated.

However, Northern Ireland’s Justice Minister and Alliance Party leader David Ford rejected Mr McGuinness’ claims of political policing.

DUP leader and Northern Ireland First Minister Peter Robinson earlier accused Sinn Féin of attempting “bullyboy tactics” over the PSNI in relation to the detention of Mr Adams.

Mrs McConville was dragged away from her children in the Divis flats in west Belfast by a gang of up to 12 men and women after being accused of informing to the security forces.

She was interrogated, shot in the back of the head and then secretly buried – becoming one of the “Disappeared” victims of the Troubles.

Her body was found on a beach at Shelling Hill in north Louth years later, in 2003, 80km from her home.

Daughter of Jean McConville welcomes arrest of Adams

Gerry Adams

The daughter of Disappeared victim Jean McConville has welcomed the arrest of Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams for questioning in connection with her mother’s kidnapping and murder in 1972.

The Louth TD presented himself at Antrim PSNI station with his solicitor before being detained overnight for questioning in relation to the killing of the mother of 10.

The police arrest was welcomed by Jean McConville’s daughter Helen McKendry as she appealed for justice for her murdered mother.

“We want the truth to finally come out for her children and the grandchildren she never got the chance to meet.

“We welcome any development into my mother’s murder after all these years.

“I hope the people who did it and ordered her kidnap, murder and disappearance are brought to justice.

“They didn’t just wipe out my mother’s life but they damaged our whole family irreversibly.”

She added: “It’s coming up on 42 years since my mother’s murder and I would appeal to anybody who knows anything to wipe their conscience clean and come forward.”

The Sinn Féin president has always denied any involvement in the notorious IRA killing and secret burial of her body.

He reiterated that in a statement last night saying that he rejected the “malicious allegations” that had been made about his supposed involvement in Jean McConville’s killing.

“While I have never disassociated myself from the IRA and I never will, I am innocent of any part in the abduction, killing or burial of Mrs McConville.”

Despite being abducted and killed in Belfast in 1972, Jean McConville’s body was only discovered in August 2003 at Shelling Hill beach in north Louth.

Louth TD Adams questioned in relation to McConville murder

Gerry Adams

Sinn Féin leader and local TD Gerry Adams is being interviewed by the PSNI about the circumstances of the abduction and murder of Jean McConville in 1972.

Despite claims north of the border that he had been arrested, the 65-year-old insisted via a statement this evening that he had put himself voluntarily forward for question.

Last month, Mr Adams said he had asked his solicitor to contact the PSNI on the matter and said he was available to speak to them if they wished to speak with him.

Mr Adams denies any involvement in the murder of the Belfast mother-of-ten.

Speaking tonight, he said he had no role whatsoever in what was one of the most controversial murders of the Troubles.

In a statement, Mr Adams said while he had concerns about timing, he is “voluntarily meeting with the PSNI this evening”.

He said that “well publicised, malicious allegations have been made against me. I reject these.

“While I have never disassociated myself from the IRA and I never will, I am innocent of any part in the abduction, killing or burial of Mrs McConville”.

Mr Adams also said he has never shirked his responsibility as a republican leader, including dealing with the “difficult issue of victims and their families”.

He added: “Even though they may not agree, this includes the family of Jean McConville”.

Sinn Féin Deputy leader Mary Lou McDonald told RTÉ, Mr Adams was right to confront the issue and said there has been a concerted and malicious effort to link him to the case for some considerable time.

She also questioned the timing of “this latest decision by the PSNI” and said she believed it was “politically motivated and designed to damage Gerry Adams and Sinn Féin.”

Mrs McConville was abducted by an IRA gang after being accused of passing information to the British army and later shot in the back of the head and buried 80km from her home.

The IRA did not admit her murder until 1999.

Mrs McConville’s remains were found on Shelling Hill, beach in north Louth in 2003.

Nobody has ever been charged with her murder.