HC Deb 12 November 2003 vol 413 cc376-8W
Mr. McNamara

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when the police were notified of the shooting and subsequent death of Private Anthony Green at Shackleton Barracks, Ballykelly on 24 January 2001; when police officers arrived at the scene; when the scene of the crime was secured; when Corporal William Graham was interviewed; when interviews were conducted with each of the other occupants of the vehicle from which the fatal shot was fired, listing their ranks; when Corporal William Graham was arrested; and when he was charged. [132516]

Jane Kennedy

The police were notified of the shooting of Private Green at 14.49 hours on 24 January 2001, they attended and secured the scene at 15.15 hours. Private Graham was arrested and interviewed on 25 January 2001 for unlawful wounding. Interviews took place with three non-commissioned officers on 24 January and statements were obtained on 25 January 2001. Private Graham reported back on bail on 14 February 2001 and was re-arrested for the offence of manslaughter. He was released from police custody to be dealt with by way of report to the Department of Public Prosecutions and was committed for trial on 5 December 2001.

Mr. McNamara

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps were taken to secure weapons and ammunition following the fatal shooting of Private Anthony Green on 24 January 2001. [132517]

Jane Kennedy

The offending firearm, magazine and spent case were secured in situ and a full forensic examination of the scene was conducted. Following that, the firearm, magazine and spent case were packaged and forwarded to the forensic science laboratory for examination and testing.

Mr. McNamara

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many witness statements were taken in the investigation of the shooting of Private Anthony Green on 24 January 2001. [132518]

Jane Kennedy

A total of 24 witness statements were taken.

Mr. McNamara

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when Detective Sergeant Doherty was informed that questions in the House had been asked concerning the death of Private Anthony Green; and what authorisation was subsequently sought to discuss this with a bereaved relative on 29 June 2001. [132519]

Jane Kennedy

Detective Sergeant Doherty became aware that questions in the House had been asked shortly after they had been tabled. As the family liaison officer he spoke to Private Green's wife and his mother, to inform them that these matters were of interest to hon. Members.

Mr. McNamara

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland in whose custody and at what location the pages of the occurrence log for the Shackleton Barracks, Ballykelly covering 24 January 2001 are. [132520]

Jane Kennedy

The original watch keeper's log for 24 January 2001 is held in military archives at HQNI Lisburn.

Mr. McNamara

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what rank of officer was responsible for liaison with the family of Private Anthony Green following the fatal shooting on 24 January 2001; what the reasons were for the cancellation of the meeting with the mother of the deceased arranged for 24 September; what measures are planned to compensate Mrs. Green financially for the costs incurred in taking off time from work and arranging travel to Northern Ireland; and if he will ensure that arrangements are made for a new appointment. [132521]

Jane Kennedy

Detective Sergeant Doherty was the deputy senior investigation officer in this case and also acted in the role of family liaison officer updating the family on a regular basis. On 12 September 2003 the police were contacted by the Northern Echo newspaper and asked to respond to what appeared to be a complaint that police had failed to fully investigate her son's death. It was decided to postpone the meeting until it was clear what the precise nature of the allegations were. The meeting with Private Anthony Green's mother was postponed on 22 September, through her solicitors who undertook to inform their client.

I am advised by the Chief Constable of the PSNI that no request for a further meeting has been received, and that the police are available to discuss any outstanding matters of concern with the family. I understand that they have been in touch with Mrs. Green's solicitors in October with a view to arranging a meeting. The matter of compensation has not previously been raised by Mrs. Green or her solicitors but will certainly be considered by the PSNI if she supplies details along with properly receipted documentation for any financial loss incurred.

Mr. McNamara

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the cost was of the investigation into the death of Private Anthony Green. [132522]

Jane Kennedy

No costing programme was required to be kept in respect of this particular investigation and this could be obtained now only at disproportionate cost.