A south Armagh councillor jailed for explosives offences in 1991 said the quashing of his conviction is both a “personal vindication” and a stark reminder of how the judicial system was used by the British State as “a weapon of political repression”.
Sinn Féin councillor Declan Murphy, along with Declan John Moen and Conor Gilmore, had his conviction overturned in the Court of Appeal on Wednesday – almost 35 years after being jailed for explosives offences linked to a planned attack on a police football team in Limavady.
Judges ruled the convictions were “unsafe” after identifying “reprehensible” and deliberate police misconduct that was never revealed during their original trial.
Speaking after the ruling, Cllr Murphy said: “After 36 years, the truth has been officially acknowledged. I was wrongly convicted by a system built on lies, political interference, and manufactured British State collusion. This was a miscarriage of justice. It should never have happened.
“The actions of the RUC were reprehensible, in coordination with British state agents who used every opportunity to try and set us up. This is the legacy of the British State in Ireland and no one has been held accountable as they continue to block truth, justice and accountability.”
He continued: “I will not accept [Wednesday’s] decision as closure. My case is just one example of hundreds. Victims of British State violence and collusion still search and fight for justice and answers. But justice continues to be denied.
“Today’s ruling highlights again the need for full accountability. Upcoming legacy framework agreements between the Irish and British Government must command the confidence of the families who are still searching for the truth. Sinn Féin will continue to fight for truth and justice, and stand shoulder to shoulder with victims and families.”
The convictions related to a device planted at Limavady United’s football ground ahead of a match against the RUC in December 1989.
The game was later postponed, but the three men were jailed in 1991 after being found guilty at a non-jury trial of possessing explosives with intent.
Outside the court, solicitor Gavin Booth said his clients had “waited over 30 years” for justice, insisting: “These convictions should never have happened.”
The PSNI has said it is aware of the judgement and will study the full ruling when it is published.
