Ombudsman's report into Claudy bombing due soon
The long-awaited Police Ombudsman's report into the 1972 Claudy bombing could be published within weeks.
A spokesperson for the body, headed by Al Hutchinson, said that the document will be released in "the early part of the New Year".
The probe was launched in 2002 by the first Ombudsman, Nuala O'Loan, after police found records of a conversation between the then Secretary of State, William Whitelaw, and Cardinal William Conway, discussing a priest who was suspected of being involved in the atrocity.
The IRA have in the past denied carrying out the triple car-bomb attack which killed nine people, including nine-year-old Kathryn Eakin.
While he was never questioned, historical documents show Fr James Chesney was moved from a south Derry parish to Donegal - where he died in 1980 - after the case was discussed privately by the politician and the clergyman.
A police review was also sparked by an anonymous letter, purportedly coming from a priest - which has never been authenticated - following which the Ombudsman began preparing a report.
The letter, penned by 'Father Liam' and sent to a Derry councillor and a journalist, claimed that the priest had confessed his involvement in the attack.
The new report into the atrocity has experienced a number of delays - some of which are thought to be due to new and important information being brought forward.
A spokesperson for the Police Ombudsman said this week: "The investigation has been completed and the report is due out in the early part of the New Year."
The victims of the Claudy bomb were: Elizabeth McElhinney (59), Joseph McCluskey (39), Kathryn Eakin (9), David Miller (60), James McClelland (65), Willie Temple (16), Rose McLaughlin (52), Patrick Joseph Connolly (15) and Arthur Hone (38).
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Sunday 05 February 2012
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