Police ask for anonymity in Donnelly case
Police officers due to give evidence in a compensation claim by leading dissident republican Gary Donnelly have applied for anonymity and screening, it's emerged.
A compensation claim by Mr. Donnelly against the PSNI Chief Constable was due for hearing at Derry County Court today (Wednesday).
However, in a dramatic development yesterday, counsel for the Chief Constable asked for an adjournment because "essential police witnesses" wanted to be screened.
He added that there would also be 'extensive Public Interest Immunity' applications seeking anonymity.
Counsel told Judge Grant that it had been "discovered" that Mr. Donnelly was linked to dissident republicans.
The court was told that two of the officers concerned in the case were 'involved in covert Special Branch operations' and, as such, wanted to be screened.
Defence solicitor Mr. Paddy MacDermott told the court he would be opposing the applications for anonymity and screening.
Judge Grant granted the adjournment but said he wanted the Chief Constable's application within seven days.
He set a new date for hearing on January 12.
The compensation claim arises out of an incident in 2002 when Mr. Donnelly was stopped by police while pushing a baby in a pram.
He objected to police searching the baby and insisted that a woman officer be present.
However, when police allegedly moved to search the baby, a melee broke out and Mr. Donnelly was subsequently charged with assaulting police.
After a trial at Derry Magistrate's Court, Mr. Donnelly was acquitted of the charges.
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Sunday 27 May 2012
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