HC Deb 04 November 1975 vol 899 cc119-20W
Miss Richardson

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many complaints have been made to date under the Police Act (Northern Ireland) 1970; how many have been referred to the Attorney-General or to the Director of Public Prosecutions for Northern Ireland; how many have resulted in criminal proceedings, and with what results in terms of charges preferred, acquittal and conviction, and sentences given; what were the results of any subsequent appeals; and how many resulted in disciplinary proceedings, and with what results.

Mr. Moyle

, pursuant to his reply [Official Report, 15th October 1975; Vol. 897, c. 749], gave the following information:

Between 1st April 1970, when the Police Act (Northern Ireland) 1970 came into force, and 31st August 1975, a total of 4,251 complaints were received. Of these, 1,276 cases, including all those based on criminal allegations as required by the Act, were referred to the Attorney-General or the Director of Public Prosecutions for Northern Ireland, who directed criminal proceedings in respect of 35 complaints, as follows:

Of the 11 officers convicted, one was discharged unconditionally, nine were fined, and one sentenced to a suspended term of imprisonment. One of these officers has since appealed against conviction.

Of more than 300 disciplinary proceedings taken against RUC officers since April 1970, 41 arose out of complaints by members of the public. Of these 41, charges against nine officers were withdrawn and 12 officers were found not guilty. Charges were proved in the case of 20 officers, of whom one was cautioned, 10 were reprimanded, five were fined, one was required to resign and three were dismissed from the force.