Ulster Unionist Policing Board member, Ross Hussey, has called on the PSNI to reassure the public that they have fully implemented the recommendations from the Police Ombudsman's report into the disappearance of James Fenton from the Ulster Hospital on 2nd July 2010.
The West Tyrone MLA commented;
'The findings of the Police Ombudsman, Michael Maguire, in his report on the police investigation into the disappearance of James Fenton make for extremely concerning reading. For that reason I am calling on the Chief Constable to reassure the public that the recommendations set out within the Report have been acted on and will be implemented fully. This includes a range of policy recommendations intended to improve how the PSNI approaches future investigations of this nature as well as misconduct proceedings against a number of police officers.'
'Whilst the PSNI often demonstrate strong performance in difficult circumstances, clear failings were highlighted in this case with initial police response over the first weekend cited by the Police Ombudsman as inadequate and lacking purpose. The report also says that there was a lack of leadership and direction, a failure to follow established procedures as well as serious communication issues with the family.'
'I would of course express my sympathy to the family of James Fenton who underwent the trauma of a 10 week wait until his body was found. This is undoubtedly a difficult time for them. It is incumbent on the Chief Constable to ensure that the lessons from this case will be learned so it does not happen again.’’