The Troubles: RUC 'failed' to pursue suspects in murder
A police investigation into the murder of a Catholic taxi driver in Belfast "failed to effectively pursue relevant suspects", a report by Police Ombudsman Marie Anderson has concluded.John O'Hara, 41, was shot dead by the Ulster Defence Association (UDA) on Dunluce Avenue in 1991.Mrs Anderson reviewed the original Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC) investigation following a complaint from his family.She uncovered several issues, including forensic failings, which resulted in an "inadequate" investigation.Mr O'Hara, a father-of-five, had no connection with any political party or paramilitary group.
A number of shots were fired into Mr O'Hara's car from an alleyway as he arrived to pick up a fare.There is nothing to suggest the RUC had information which would have enabled them to take action to prevent his murder.Mrs Anderson said within two weeks of the shooting, intelligence was received which indicated the involvement of eight people.However, only three of them were arrested and there is no evidence the alibis they provided were checked.
One of the suspected gunmen was not picked up, despite being connected to the attack by witness evidence and four separate pieces of intelligence."Although the initial police response was comprehensive and of a good standard, the subsequent murder enquiry was not capable of bringing those responsible to justice," Mrs Anderson said.A car which closely matched the description of the getaway vehicle was not seized for examination.There was also a forensic failing in relation to a balaclava discovered a mile from the murder scene.Twelve hairs were found on it, but they were compared to those taken from suspects in another case.Two guns used in the attack, which were recovered in 1992 and 1995, can no longer be found.No disposal orders exist for the weapons.Mrs Anderson said they should have been kept by the police "for evidential purposes in respect of unsolved murders, including Mr O'Hara's".
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Scottish Sun
19 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Killer, 34, murdered and dismembered student, 19, on first date after ‘watching Netflix series showing mutilation'
Teen Sade then went back to Anderson's apartment where, at one point in the night, the alleged killer put on Netflix show Love, Death & Robots BRUTAL MURDER Killer, 34, murdered and dismembered student, 19, on first date after 'watching Netflix series showing mutilation' A 34-YEAR-OLD man murdered and dismembered a college student, 19, on the first date after allegedly watching a Netflix series showing mutilation. Maxwell Anderson was convicted of homicide and dismembering a corpse on Friday for the heinous murder of Sade Robinson last year. 10 Sade was brutally murdered Credit: FB/Sade Robinson 10 Sade was on a first date with Anderson Credit: FB/sade robinson 10 Maxwell Anderson is led into the courtroom for his initial appearance in April 2024 Credit: AP The two had met at a bar and spent the rest of their evening getting dinner and drinks at the Twisted Fisherman in Milwaukee. Teen Sade then went back to Anderson's apartment where, at one point in the night, the alleged killer put on Netflix show Love, Death & Robots. One episode of the series called "The Drowned Giant" portrays the horrific mutilation of a human body on the beach. In a chilling similarity, prosecutors have claimed that monster Anderson dismembered Sade's body on a beach in Wisconsin overlooking Lake Michigan. Juror Melissa Blascoe told the Milwaukee-Journal Sentinel: "I was like [...] that's disgusting because that could have been where he got some of his ideas or fantasies. "I physically felt like I was gonna throw up at that point. I know a lot of people were shaking and crying." Anderson was also charged with arson and hiding a corpse in connection with Sade's death. He was found guilty on all counts. Cops said it's believed Anderson spread the 19-year-old's remains across Milwaukee County and burned her car in an attempt to hide key evidence. Surveillance footage showed Sade's car leaving Anderson's apartment in the early hours of April 2. Eerie new video shows 'killer' dad Travis Decker as cops fear 'expert' soldier won't be caught for MONTHS after murders It then arrived at the beach along the shores of Lake Michigan. When Sade didn't turn up for work the next day, concern was sparked on her whereabouts. The student's manager Justin Romano told CNN that she was "very outgoing, she would talk to everybody here." He added: "She was always there to lighten the mood." After Sade hadn't showed up for her shift - which "wasn't like her at all" - Justin added: "We kind of knew something was up. "We had been calling her all day." Anderson is thought to have dismembered Sade and set her car alight behind an abandoned building. He then took a bus back to is apartment. 10 Maxwell Anderson, right, with his defense attorney Anthony Cotton, left Credit: AP 10 The booking photo of Maxwell Anderson is seen as part of state exhibit in the trial of Anderson, center Credit: AP 10 A photo of the studio apartment of Sade Robinson was presented as part of the state's exhibit in the trial of Maxwell Anderson Credit: AP 10 Sade's grieving mom Sheena Scarbrough Credit: WISN 12 ABC Despite "extreme fire damage" to Sade's car, cops where able to identify the outfit the 19-year-old had been wearing on the night of the date alongside part of an iPhone consistent with hers, CNN reports. Cops had been called to Warnimont Park after a human leg was horrifically discovered, which was later identified as belonging to Sade. Anderson had planned to kill the student weeks before her death, a "confidential informant" claimed, Fox News reports. Anderson's attorney Tony Cotton argued that the prosecution showed no evidence of his intention to kill Sade. The attorney also raised how Anderson didn't try to hide his identity as he travelled on public transport home and was also in clean clothes despite having allegedly dismembered Sade's body in a muddy location. Jurors reached their verdict in one hour on the ninth day of trial. Milwaukee County Assistant District Attorney Ian Vance-Curzan said: "While we are satisfied with this verdict, our hearts go out to the family of Sade Robinson." And Milwaukee County Sheriff's Det. JoAnn Donner - who had spent months working on the heartbreaking case - said: "My heart goes out to the family and [Sade's] friends and really, the community at large. "It's everyone's come together, and it's really hard to take that step back as a law enforcement officer and not get that really emotionally involved during the case. "I will admit that I did go back to my office after the verdict, and I had a good cry because I finally got to have that emotion. It does affect us too." And Sade's grieving mom Sheena Scarbrough said in a GoFundMe set up for her daughter's memorial service that she was a "loving daughter, a cherished sister, and a dear friend to many". Anderson is to be sentenced on August 15, where he faces a mandatory life sentence in prison. 10 Prosecutor Ian Vance-Curzan holds up a jacket that had DNA in sections of the jacket from Maxwell Anderson and Sade Robinson while questioning state witness Sharon Polakowski Credit: AP 10 Sharon Polakowski, forensic scientist, senior DNA Analysis Unit from the Wisconsin State Crime Laboratory Milwaukee, testifies for the state on DNA found on clothing of Maxwell Anderson Credit: AP
Belfast Telegraph
3 days ago
- Belfast Telegraph
Police Ombudsman won't investigate incident in Bangor where PSNI fired shots after man seen with imitation gun
Deputy Chief Constable Bobby Singleton told the Policing Board yesterday that the watchdog is 'not opening an investigation' after shots were fired by police. The incident occurred on the evening of May 18 in High Street in Bangor, where a man was seen in a business with a firearm. Belfast Magistrates Court was later told the RAF veteran pointed a 'realistic looking' imitation gun at armed police demanding to be shot. It was stated he put officers in such a state of fear they fired several rounds at the 45-year-old during a near two hour stand-off. During the incident, to which an armed response unit was called, the unnamed individual identified himself as a veteran of both wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. The man was later arrested and charged with a range of offences, including 'possessing a firearm with intent to cause fear and violence'. The response of officers was praised by Mr Singleton. 'An individual clearly and significantly in distress, who pointed a fire arm at them (officers) in High Street, Bangor,' he said. 'Having reviewed the circumstances surrounding the discharge of the police firearms, the Police Ombudsman have confirmed that they are not opening an investigation. 'I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to the officers, who I think demonstrated exceptional professionalism, courage resilience and restraint.' Also discussed in the meeting was the controversial arrest of pro-Palestinian activists last month. Sue Pentel (72), a member of the group Jews for Palestine, was arrested alongside a fellow activist in her 50s in relation to 'criminal damage' to a Barclay's bank cash machine in Belfast. Stickers had been placed on the ATM. The arrest of the pair sparked criticism from some politicians, including from the First Minister, and the public. Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson said an investigation had been launched by the Police Ombudsman in relation to the arrest. 'We are limited to what we can say due to the Ombudsman investigation,' he said. 'I, of course, had the luxury at the time of seeing the body worn video. 'I was satisfied as I said around the professionalism with which the officers dealt with those that were protesting. 'I welcome the Ombudsman's investigation into it. If they find there is organisational learning within that, of course, we will respond to that.' In relation to the recent withdrawal of allegations of sectarianism by a Catholic former police officer, named as 'Sean' to protect his identity, Mr Singleton said he was 'relieved' that the accusations were retracted. 'In recent months public attention has been drawn to the very serious allegations of sectarianism in the police force,' he said. 'Sean's claims understandably caused public concern. The type of behaviour that was alleged was, as I have said at the time, absolutely disgraceful. 'Since the last board meeting, Sean has of course now unequivocally retracted his allegations. 'He has acknowledged that they were unfounded and he has expressed deep regret for the distress that has been caused. 'I am relieved that Sean has done this, and I think it is the best possible outcome for everybody.' It was also revealed in the meeting that four officers had been dismissed by the Chief Constable, John Boutcher, both for inappropriate material being shared on WhatsApp chats and one for 'misusing substances'. 'In the last two months as well, the Chief Constable has personally convened four fast-tracked special case misconduct hearings,' he said. 'Three of these hearings were in respect to inappropriate material in private WhatsApp groups, discovered as part of a Police Ombudsman investigation. 'And a further hearing related to substance misuse. All four officers were dismissed by the Chief Constable,' said Mr Singleton. The Policing Board also discussed an online 'gangs of boys', referred to as 'the Com' by police. They were referred to as 'online misogynists' by the National Economic Crime director general, Graeme Biggar. 'We are living our lives more online. We see that play out in crimes in relation to online fraud, cyber-crimes and child sexual abuse and exploitation,' said Mr Biggar. 'The particular example is in what we highlighted in our March publication was the emergence over the last two years, in particular the last year, of a new-ish phenomenon generally called 'the Com'. 'This is an online grouping of gangs of boys with a nihilistic, misogynistic mindset, who focus on grooming and coercing young girls into abusing themselves, and into self-harm. 'This is in particular an English speaking phenomenon, but it causes significant harm. 'We did an alert out to chief constables in March. We have a number of investigations into it across the UK. 'We have had a number of prosecutions so far. We have not had incidences of this in Northern Ireland, yet. We don't have any investigations here, but it will come.' Two weeks ago, a number of families had been forced out of their homes in north Belfast as a result of a series of sectarian attacks. News Catch Up - Thursday 5 June Mr Henderson told the board a man has been arrested and charged in relation to the attacks. 'On May 21, that night we saw attacks on houses, windows broken. It was clearly a sectarian attempt to intimidate people out of their homes,' he said. 'We will bring all of our investigative powers to bring people to justice. 'We have investigated, and, this week, we have arrested and charged a male in relation to damage caused to one of the properties.'
Scottish Sun
3 days ago
- Scottish Sun
Notorious hitmen moved to prison isolation amid rising gangland tensions over Spain shootings
TWO notorious caged gunmen have been placed in precautionary isolation amid rising tensions inflamed by Scotland's deadly gang war. Daniel clan hitman Raymond Anderson and Lyons enforcer Billy 'Buff' Paterson have been made the subject of extra measures amid jail safety fears. 4 Police at 2006 garage shooting in Lambhill, Glasgow 4 Raymond Anderson has been isolated for his own safety Credit: Police Scotland 4 Eddie Lyons Jnr (L) and Ross Monaghan were blasted to death in Spain Credit: Les Gallagher It's understood prison bosses acted amid ongoing attacks in Scotland and fears the unconnected double murders of Ross Monaghan, 43, and Eddie Lyons Jnr, 46, could increase the risks further. Anderson - who gunned down Michael Lyons, 21, in the notorious Lambhill shooting of 2006 - has been moved along with Paterson, jailed for the murder of Kevin 'Gerbil' Carroll in 2010. A source said: 'Anderson and Paterson are now both in isolation at HMP Shotts for similar reasons. 'The risk of an attack on Anderson and other high-ranking mobsters like Paterson has never been higher. 'Prison bosses have a tough job as it is and the last thing they need is someone getting done on their watch. 'Even though it's been made clear the Daniels had nothing to do with what happened in Spain, there remains a risk.' Anderson was caged for at least 30 years in 2008 for Michael's murder, along with Daniel clan accomplice James McDonald. We told in 2022 how the assassin who murdered T2 Trainspotting star Bradley Welsh admitted attacking Anderson in a jail assault. Sean Orman, 34, lunged at Anderson, 61, as violence flared in Shotts prison on Christmas Eve 2020. Orman had a further 12 months added to the minimum 28-year term he was handed in May 2021 for shooting Welsh, 48, dead in Edinburgh. Menacing Paterson is said to be a powerful Lyons-linked enforcer inside the Lanarkshire prison. A Scottish Prison Service spokesperson said: 'We manage all people in our care in a way which best meets their individual risks and needs, and supports the safety, security, and good order of our establishments.' Elsewhere, Kinahan cartel leaders are supporting the families of Costa del Sol hit victims Ross Monaghan and Eddie Lyons Jnr and have promised them: 'We'll get this sorted.' And the grief-stricken family of murdered Lyons gang kingpin Ross Monaghan last sensationally said their Daniel clan enemies are not to blame.
