In an ongoing tribunal, a former senior officer from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has denied allegations of making sectarian remarks about Catholic judges in Northern Ireland. The accusations surfaced during an Investigatory Powers Tribunal (IPT) hearing in London, where former Durham detective Darren Ellis testified that the officer made comments about a disproportionate number of Catholic judges affecting judicial decisions in Northern Ireland. Ellis claimed that these remarks hinted at “perverse decision-making” within the justice system.

However, the ex-officer, whose name was not disclosed, refuted these claims, stating they had “the utmost respect for the judiciary” and that they have been committed to the principles of equality, integrity, and impartiality throughout their 35-year career. The officer expressed anger and sought legal advice, disputing the accuracy of Ellis’ testimony.

Sectarian Tensions and Legal Implications

This controversy is rooted in Northern Ireland’s historical sectarian divide, which continues to influence public institutions. The PSNI and its predecessor, the Royal Ulster Constabulary, have long been scrutinized for allegations of bias, particularly during and after The Troubles. Chief Constable Jon Boutcher of the PSNI was quick to defend the force, emphasizing that the organization maintains a positive relationship with the judiciary, and strongly refuted the claims of sectarianism.

Gerry Kelly, a member of Sinn Féin, raised concerns during the PSNI’s Policing Board meeting, questioning how these remarks, if true, would reflect on the organization. Boutcher reiterated that these claims did not align with the conduct he recognized from his time working in Northern Ireland.

Tribunal Examines Surveillance of Journalists

The tribunal also delves into claims that investigative journalists Barry McCaffrey and Trevor Birney were unlawfully subjected to covert police surveillance. McCaffrey and Birney were arrested in 2018 for their role in producing “No Stone Unturned,” a documentary investigating the 1994 UVF massacre in Loughinisland. In 2019, they were awarded £875,000 in damages after a Belfast High Court ruled that the police warrants used to raid their homes were wrongfully obtained.

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