Tom Elliott, Ulster Unionist MP for Fermanagh & South Tyrone, has said that it is appalling that Damien McLaughlin, who has been charged with offences linked to the murder of Cookstown Prison Officer David Black, has not been seen by police since last November. This has resulted in Mr Justice Treacy revoking his bail conditions.
Mr Elliott said:
“It is only a few months since I criticised the decision to allow the accused to go for a luxury break in the Manor House Hotel in Fermanagh, which I said was a gross misjudgment by the authorities."At the time, I was shocked to hear that a man who was charged with offences in relation to the murder of Prison Officer David Black was allowed to enjoy a spa break in Fermanagh. We now have a much worse situation!
"Those responsible for what appears to be a relaxed and ad hoc process have clearly shown no sympathy or respect towards the family of David Black. Anyone charged with murder in some other countries outside Northern Ireland would be incarcerated for as long as necessary to allow judicial proceedings to take place, however in Northern Ireland there seems to be a habit of allowing people charged with serious crimes such as murder to have a relaxed time outside prison.
"I find it disgusting that McLaughlin may have absconded, whilst the Black family will never get to see David again."