Martin McGartland was shot 6 times and almost killed in June 1999. Martin McGartland was shot by the IRA who were led to his 'safe house' by Northumbria Police after they took a flawed court case against him in 1997. During the court case Northumbria Police read out Martin's name and his full home address in open court. Those detailed were reported in the media. Martin McGartland says; Sue Sim, Northumbria Police are covering Up IRA involvement in my attempted murder. They also continue to cover-up the entire shooting case. Sue Sim has been and continues to be directly involved in that cover-up."
=========================================================================================================================
SO Raoul Moat is dead, and while I'm sure the people of Rothbury are mightily relieved it's Northumbria Police who should REALLY be grateful.
Because at least this way there won't be any more blood on their hands. No more innocent people dead, no more young mums clinging to life in hospital, no more cops with their faces shot off.
But the biggest embarrassment is surely the fact that Moat outfoxed and outran a major police force for more than a week. And despite their best efforts it was HIM who finally decided how and when he was going to die.
Northumbria Police - and I'm talking about the head honchos here, not the poor beggars on the ground taking orders from incompetents - have acted like a bunch of Keystone Cops in the hunt for Moat, proving without doubt that when the big stuff happens - they just can't hack it.
Crack
So bad were they, so embarrassing, that officers from 15 other forces, crack Scotland Yard marksmen, Army survival experts and an RAF Tornado jet were all drafted in to help. I mean how many people does it take to catch a lone gunman?
And when this is over, the people of Northumbria have every right to ask what the hell their taxes are being spent on when a police force with every resource at its disposal is incapable of catching one deranged nutter. A force whose inability to act quickly or effectively actually PUT people in danger rather than protected them from it.
As for Sue Sim, who started the week as Acting Chief Constable and ended it re-branded as Temporary Chief Constable, she needs to get back where she belongs - counting paperclips and banging up drunks in Newcastle on Saturday nights. Because while I'm sure she's a nice woman (apart from the unfortunate resemblance to Maggie Thatcher) she's shown that when it comes to leading a police force, doing what she's been trained to do - she's as much use as an ashtray on a motorbike.
Moat made abject fools of the police trying to catch him. In the seven days he was on the run he TWICE popped into a mate's house in Newcastle. You'd have thought that after the first time an officer might have been posted outside the door in case he came back. But no. And of course he DID come back two days later. Another missed opportunity. Just one of many.
On Thursday locals saw Moat, large as life, strolling down Rothbury High Street. Was he agitated? Did he look like a man who felt the net was closing in? Nope.
So unconcerned was he that he broke into one family's home while they were out, had a kip, helped himself to food from the fridge then walked to some local allotments where he picked himself some nice ripe tomatoes. And exactly where were Northumbria Police? Well, they were telling everyone Moat wasn't in the town at all - but out on the Moors.
Rothbury's tiny, for God's sake. Was it really beyond the wit of an entire force, with massive back-up, to smoke out a lone man with zero resources who'd been sighted half a dozen times in one day? And of course all of this could have been avoided - if Northumbria Police had acted on information from Durham jail that Moat intended to "seriously hurt" ex- girlfriend Samantha Stobbart on his release.
So, why wasn't she taken from her home and protected? Why wasn't her now dead boyfriend protected? What in God's name had to happen before the chiefs at Northumbria got off their backsides and took this thug who's got form for violence, seriously? We're always hearing that good policing is about prevention. So why the hell didn't they take steps to prevent the carnage that followed?
Raoul Moat's legacy won't just be that he was a killer. It will be that he exposed and made monkeys out of an entire police force in a way that no investigation, no official report, ever could.
http://www.newsoftheworld.co.uk/columnists/carolemalone/872778/Moat-bunglers-cop-a-drumming.html
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Northumbria Police Shooting and their Dark Side - lies cover up and the IRA
Court clears top IRA mole
21 May 1997
Britain's former top IRA spy was last night making a fresh bid to start a new life, after being cleared by a jury at Newcastle Crown Court, of trying to pervert the course of justice. Mr Martin McGartland, 27, who has lived under the name of Martin Ashe for the last six years, had claimed he was in fear of a terrorist death squad when he used duplicate driving licences to avoid a ban. The jury took just 10 minutes to find the author of Fifty Dead Men Walking, which is fast becoming a best seller, not guilty at the end of a five-day trial. Later, it was made clear he would be moving away from Tyneside, and the legal firm which represented him issued a statement criticising the moves which brought him to court and exposed him to danger from the IRA. It read: ''It is Mr McGartland's view that the prosecution should never have been brought in light of his services to the public in Northern Ireland. ''The prosecution has exposed him to further danger, which his resettlement on the mainland was meant to avoid. ''Mr McGartland believes that the prosecution was brought with total disregard for his own safety, and that the Crown showed no insight into the real and imagined dangers encountered by those living in the shadow of the IRA.'' The trial took place in secret after his barrister, Mr Glen Gatland, applied to Judge Denis Orde to make an order banning publication of proceedings until the end, as it was feared the IRA might try to target the court. During the trial the court was told that after fleeing Ulster, where it is claimed he helped save 50 lives by passing on secrets to the police, he became convinced he was being followed by potential assassins. Almost every time he speeded away to elude them he was stopped by police, and he used duplicate driving licences to escape a ban after totting up 12 speeding points in the summer of 1993. He could not reveal to police his reasons, as he feared detection. Magistrates thought he only had three points each time he appeared in court, because he handed in different licences. He was, however, on the verge of losing his licence under the totting-up procedure, and has since served a six-month ban. While in operation in Ulster, he was known as Agent Carol, and the information he passed on was from top level IRA sources, and was thought to have prevented numerous bombings and shootings, and exposed arms and explosives caches. Former Ulster intelligence gathering chief, Superintendent Ian Phoenix, who died in the Chinook helicopter crash on the Mull of Kintyre, was said to have rated him as the most successful double agent he had known. Eventually, Mr McGartland's cover was blown and he was seized by IRA gunmen in August 1991, after helping the security forces for four years. He managed to escape from a third storey window, suffering serious head injuries which left him with partial brain damage.He was then given a new identity and relocated by Special Branch. Mr McGartland has taken action against Northumbria police after learning his new name and real name were being held on file. This led to a computer programmer being sacked from the force.
Link; http://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/spl/aberdeen/court-clears-top-ira-mole-1.397341
21 May 1997
Britain's former top IRA spy was last night making a fresh bid to start a new life, after being cleared by a jury at Newcastle Crown Court, of trying to pervert the course of justice. Mr Martin McGartland, 27, who has lived under the name of Martin Ashe for the last six years, had claimed he was in fear of a terrorist death squad when he used duplicate driving licences to avoid a ban. The jury took just 10 minutes to find the author of Fifty Dead Men Walking, which is fast becoming a best seller, not guilty at the end of a five-day trial. Later, it was made clear he would be moving away from Tyneside, and the legal firm which represented him issued a statement criticising the moves which brought him to court and exposed him to danger from the IRA. It read: ''It is Mr McGartland's view that the prosecution should never have been brought in light of his services to the public in Northern Ireland. ''The prosecution has exposed him to further danger, which his resettlement on the mainland was meant to avoid. ''Mr McGartland believes that the prosecution was brought with total disregard for his own safety, and that the Crown showed no insight into the real and imagined dangers encountered by those living in the shadow of the IRA.'' The trial took place in secret after his barrister, Mr Glen Gatland, applied to Judge Denis Orde to make an order banning publication of proceedings until the end, as it was feared the IRA might try to target the court. During the trial the court was told that after fleeing Ulster, where it is claimed he helped save 50 lives by passing on secrets to the police, he became convinced he was being followed by potential assassins. Almost every time he speeded away to elude them he was stopped by police, and he used duplicate driving licences to escape a ban after totting up 12 speeding points in the summer of 1993. He could not reveal to police his reasons, as he feared detection. Magistrates thought he only had three points each time he appeared in court, because he handed in different licences. He was, however, on the verge of losing his licence under the totting-up procedure, and has since served a six-month ban. While in operation in Ulster, he was known as Agent Carol, and the information he passed on was from top level IRA sources, and was thought to have prevented numerous bombings and shootings, and exposed arms and explosives caches. Former Ulster intelligence gathering chief, Superintendent Ian Phoenix, who died in the Chinook helicopter crash on the Mull of Kintyre, was said to have rated him as the most successful double agent he had known. Eventually, Mr McGartland's cover was blown and he was seized by IRA gunmen in August 1991, after helping the security forces for four years. He managed to escape from a third storey window, suffering serious head injuries which left him with partial brain damage.He was then given a new identity and relocated by Special Branch. Mr McGartland has taken action against Northumbria police after learning his new name and real name were being held on file. This led to a computer programmer being sacked from the force.
Link; http://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/spl/aberdeen/court-clears-top-ira-mole-1.397341
Monday, July 5, 2010
Martin McGartland calls on Northumbria Police to carry out an independent internal investigation into leaks
Martin McGartland calls on Northumbria Police to carry out an independent internal investigation into leaks
The following is Martin McGartland's letter to Northumbria Police dated Monday 5th July 2010.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Ms Aubrey,
Re:- Police Leaks of sensitive information concerning my 1999 attempted murder, misconduct in public office by those behind such leaks, abetting misconduct in public office.
Please can you confirm that Northumbria Police will now be opening an internal investigation into the leaking of information to media relating to my attempted murder case. This information was published in the News of the World on Sunday 4th July 2010;
http://www.newsoftheworld.co.uk/scottish/scottish_news/865845/Mystery-Scot-is-Prime-suspect-behind-MI5-assassination-attempt.html?postingId=868465
Will NP also confirm that the internal investigation will be carried out, dealt with by an independent third party given the history between NP and myself. Such an internal investigation needs to be open, fair and also transparent so that I can have total confidence in same. If however, NP are not prepared to bring in independent third party, can you please write to me explaining why not.
I maintain that there is police corruption by officers connected to my 1999 attempted murder case and that they too are behind this latest leak of confidential information, including the damaging smears made by NP officers against me between 1999 and 2010.
There is also the issue of the News of the World newspaper, reporter aiding and abetting misconduct in public office by publishing such information and or protecting officer(s) involved. You will be well aware that this is not the first time Northumbria Police have leaked information about me, my attempted murder case. In 1999 NP officer leaked very damaging and untruthful information and lies about me when I was fighting for my life. NP told members of the press that my attempted murder was ‘nothing to do with the IRA’ and that shooting was ‘drugs related’ and that I was a member of a ‘drugs gang’. You also know I took legal action against your force and also many other newspapers who reported the lies, smears against me. I was successful in each and every one of those cases and the newspapers confirmed that they only printed the information which NP gave them because they believed it was accurate. However, the newspapers accepted, some in open court, that the reports were completely untrue and that I had not at any time been connected to or involved in drugs. The newspapers also published full and unequivocal apologies to me in their newspapers and each paid me very substantial damages and my legal costs were paid in full. I also retain sworn affidavits from each of the journalists involved, where they gave detailed accounts of what they were told on the day by NP and I also have recordings of other journalists confirming same. The truth was that NP did this to take the heat off themselves, to save face and or embarrassment, but the problem being, is that this has continued and has resulted in a full scale cover-up in my attempted murder case, which dates back to 1999 and has included Chief Constables from NP, many other senior officers, MI5, CPS and others. It should never be forgotten that it was NP who led the IRA men who tried to kill me on the 17th June 1999 to my door. This is also the reason why I say NP have for over 11 years now covered-up IRA involvement in my attempted murder. NP continue with that cover-up to this day.
There have also been other leaks by Northumbria Police, its officers. In 1999/2000, NP officers gave a local Newcastle newspaper reporter information about the amount it was costing NP to protect me. However, I am bound to say, if NP had never taken a malicious prosecution against me in 1997 in which I was found not guilty by a jury in 10 minutes, then they would never had needed to protect me because the IRA would never have known where I was or that Martin Ashe and Martin McGartland were one and the same person. It was NP who read out my name and even home address in open court and those details were published in national newspapers. During that court case, NP even told the court that I had not been kidnapped by the IRA nor had I escaped by jumping from a third floor window nor had my brother been kidnapped by the IRA and severely beaten and left for dead. NP deliberately lied and told the court that these things never happened and that it was a figment of my imagination. The problem was, NP knew very well that they did happen but decided to quite deliberately lie in an effort to try to discredit me in their bid to try to get a conviction against me at all costs, the Judge and the Jury saw through all of the lies and acquitted me of all charges within 10 minutes. NP and its Chief officers are continuing with a very deliberate, hurtful and damaging smear campaign, grudge and vendetta against me and this is affecting decisions, investigations and complaints relating to my cases where they are being whitewashed and covered-up and my human rights are being breached on a daily basis by NP and others and I am being discriminated against continually by NP and been subject to deliberate and very lengthy delays, all of which has caused me unbearable stress, anxiety and has had an effect on my health.
You will also know that NP employee was sacked for leaking confidential information about me in the past. Again, I was told little or nothing about the case and it was yet another NP cover-up and whitewash. All of this is taking place at a time when I am finding it impossible to get answers to the most simple of questions concerning my attempted murder case. Moreover, Northumbria Police continue to cover-up IRA involvement in my attempted murder. They are doing so when they are well aware that the IRA carried out the attack, the dogs in the street know it and NP are causing me great damage and stress by continuing to hide, cover-up in my case. Who other than the IRA would want to kill me and who would go to such lengths to do so.
It is concerning to me that the News of the World can publish information about my attempted murder and give details of who ordered my shooting when NP are telling me they don’t know who shot me after what NP have claimed to me, has been a thorough 11 year investigation but yet a journalist can print such information concerning my attempted murder. There are many unanswered questions in this case and NP, whether they like it or not, are going to have to answer those questions.
Please will you ensure that Sue Sim is sent copies of all correspondence in this, all other matters. I can confirm that I may well be making further complaints. A complaint I made against your previous Chief Constable has been in the hands of Northumbria Police Authority and they have still not investigated that complaint, subjected me to 3 year plus delay and despite requests by the IPCC to deal with my complaint, NPA continue to ignore same. I have had to make a further complaint against NPA Chief Executive in September 2009 and again, this has never been investigated and NPA are blatantly refusing to answer my emails concerning those complaints. All, any complaints I have been making against NPA, NP and even CPS, IPCC are being whitewashed. Furthermore, the SIO in charge of my case, (Mr Thomson), is in effect acting as judge, juror and executioner, given he is head of NP PSD (Professional Standards Department) and is investigating himself and finding no evidence of any wrongdoing against himself and or other senior NP officers..
I must ask that NP please email me concerning this matter as quickly as possible and give full details of what NP are going to do about this latest matter. I will forward a copy of this email to Chris Thomson for his information. I have already written to him asking if there is any truth in any of the claims published in the News of The World article and I await his reply concerning the same.
Yours sincerely,
Martin McGartland
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Awaiting Reply from Northumbria Police, standby.
The following is Martin McGartland's letter to Northumbria Police dated Monday 5th July 2010.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Ms Aubrey,
Re:- Police Leaks of sensitive information concerning my 1999 attempted murder, misconduct in public office by those behind such leaks, abetting misconduct in public office.
Please can you confirm that Northumbria Police will now be opening an internal investigation into the leaking of information to media relating to my attempted murder case. This information was published in the News of the World on Sunday 4th July 2010;
http://www.newsoftheworld.co.uk/scottish/scottish_news/865845/Mystery-Scot-is-Prime-suspect-behind-MI5-assassination-attempt.html?postingId=868465
Will NP also confirm that the internal investigation will be carried out, dealt with by an independent third party given the history between NP and myself. Such an internal investigation needs to be open, fair and also transparent so that I can have total confidence in same. If however, NP are not prepared to bring in independent third party, can you please write to me explaining why not.
I maintain that there is police corruption by officers connected to my 1999 attempted murder case and that they too are behind this latest leak of confidential information, including the damaging smears made by NP officers against me between 1999 and 2010.
There is also the issue of the News of the World newspaper, reporter aiding and abetting misconduct in public office by publishing such information and or protecting officer(s) involved. You will be well aware that this is not the first time Northumbria Police have leaked information about me, my attempted murder case. In 1999 NP officer leaked very damaging and untruthful information and lies about me when I was fighting for my life. NP told members of the press that my attempted murder was ‘nothing to do with the IRA’ and that shooting was ‘drugs related’ and that I was a member of a ‘drugs gang’. You also know I took legal action against your force and also many other newspapers who reported the lies, smears against me. I was successful in each and every one of those cases and the newspapers confirmed that they only printed the information which NP gave them because they believed it was accurate. However, the newspapers accepted, some in open court, that the reports were completely untrue and that I had not at any time been connected to or involved in drugs. The newspapers also published full and unequivocal apologies to me in their newspapers and each paid me very substantial damages and my legal costs were paid in full. I also retain sworn affidavits from each of the journalists involved, where they gave detailed accounts of what they were told on the day by NP and I also have recordings of other journalists confirming same. The truth was that NP did this to take the heat off themselves, to save face and or embarrassment, but the problem being, is that this has continued and has resulted in a full scale cover-up in my attempted murder case, which dates back to 1999 and has included Chief Constables from NP, many other senior officers, MI5, CPS and others. It should never be forgotten that it was NP who led the IRA men who tried to kill me on the 17th June 1999 to my door. This is also the reason why I say NP have for over 11 years now covered-up IRA involvement in my attempted murder. NP continue with that cover-up to this day.
There have also been other leaks by Northumbria Police, its officers. In 1999/2000, NP officers gave a local Newcastle newspaper reporter information about the amount it was costing NP to protect me. However, I am bound to say, if NP had never taken a malicious prosecution against me in 1997 in which I was found not guilty by a jury in 10 minutes, then they would never had needed to protect me because the IRA would never have known where I was or that Martin Ashe and Martin McGartland were one and the same person. It was NP who read out my name and even home address in open court and those details were published in national newspapers. During that court case, NP even told the court that I had not been kidnapped by the IRA nor had I escaped by jumping from a third floor window nor had my brother been kidnapped by the IRA and severely beaten and left for dead. NP deliberately lied and told the court that these things never happened and that it was a figment of my imagination. The problem was, NP knew very well that they did happen but decided to quite deliberately lie in an effort to try to discredit me in their bid to try to get a conviction against me at all costs, the Judge and the Jury saw through all of the lies and acquitted me of all charges within 10 minutes. NP and its Chief officers are continuing with a very deliberate, hurtful and damaging smear campaign, grudge and vendetta against me and this is affecting decisions, investigations and complaints relating to my cases where they are being whitewashed and covered-up and my human rights are being breached on a daily basis by NP and others and I am being discriminated against continually by NP and been subject to deliberate and very lengthy delays, all of which has caused me unbearable stress, anxiety and has had an effect on my health.
You will also know that NP employee was sacked for leaking confidential information about me in the past. Again, I was told little or nothing about the case and it was yet another NP cover-up and whitewash. All of this is taking place at a time when I am finding it impossible to get answers to the most simple of questions concerning my attempted murder case. Moreover, Northumbria Police continue to cover-up IRA involvement in my attempted murder. They are doing so when they are well aware that the IRA carried out the attack, the dogs in the street know it and NP are causing me great damage and stress by continuing to hide, cover-up in my case. Who other than the IRA would want to kill me and who would go to such lengths to do so.
It is concerning to me that the News of the World can publish information about my attempted murder and give details of who ordered my shooting when NP are telling me they don’t know who shot me after what NP have claimed to me, has been a thorough 11 year investigation but yet a journalist can print such information concerning my attempted murder. There are many unanswered questions in this case and NP, whether they like it or not, are going to have to answer those questions.
Please will you ensure that Sue Sim is sent copies of all correspondence in this, all other matters. I can confirm that I may well be making further complaints. A complaint I made against your previous Chief Constable has been in the hands of Northumbria Police Authority and they have still not investigated that complaint, subjected me to 3 year plus delay and despite requests by the IPCC to deal with my complaint, NPA continue to ignore same. I have had to make a further complaint against NPA Chief Executive in September 2009 and again, this has never been investigated and NPA are blatantly refusing to answer my emails concerning those complaints. All, any complaints I have been making against NPA, NP and even CPS, IPCC are being whitewashed. Furthermore, the SIO in charge of my case, (Mr Thomson), is in effect acting as judge, juror and executioner, given he is head of NP PSD (Professional Standards Department) and is investigating himself and finding no evidence of any wrongdoing against himself and or other senior NP officers..
I must ask that NP please email me concerning this matter as quickly as possible and give full details of what NP are going to do about this latest matter. I will forward a copy of this email to Chris Thomson for his information. I have already written to him asking if there is any truth in any of the claims published in the News of The World article and I await his reply concerning the same.
Yours sincerely,
Martin McGartland
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Awaiting Reply from Northumbria Police, standby.
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Shooting Northumbria Police Lies, Dirty Tricks and Cover Up of IRA attempted murder.
Shooting Northumbria Police Lies, Dirty Tricks and Cover Up of IRA attempted murder.
We ask; WHY ARE NOTHUMBRIA POLICE STILL COVERING UP IN MARTIN MCGARTLAND CASE - The Dogs in the Street know the IRA tried to kill Martin, The News of the World and many others newspapers know it so why are Northumbria Police, after 11 long years, still covering up IRA involvement in Martin McGartland's 1999 attempted murder?
=========================================================================================================================
IRA's secret Glasgow hitman
MYSTERY SCOT IS PRIME SUSPECT BEHIND ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT
By Charles Lavery, 04/07/2010
THE prime suspect behind an attempt to assassinate an MI5 supergrass is a mystery Scot who masterminded the IRA hit from his Glasgow base, the News of the World can reveal.
The 52-year-old, who we can only call 'S' for legal reasons, sent a three-man team of Scottish hitmen to Newcastle to kill IRA informer Martin McGartland in 1999.
Northumbria Police last week renewed an appeal for information over the attempted murder of McGartland, who survived being blasted six times during the attack.
And last night a source at the force told how 'S' is a prime suspect.
The terror boss has organised IRA active service units on the British mainland for more than two decades and runs operations from his base in the Calton district of Glasgow.
Our source said: "This individual has come up time and time again during our investigations.
"It seems he sent the team down to Newcastle with the express instruction to carry out their hit.
"That is the line of inquiry being focused on at the moment."
'S' is well known to counter-terror officers in the UK and runs his operations from some Celtic- affiliated pubs in the Calton area, where he is a respected member of the Catholic community.
Sources claim he has been involved in EVERY IRA operation on the UK mainland for three decades.
Northumbria Police also now believe 'S' is directly connected to the attempt to murder McGartland, 40, who was shot as he sat in his car in Whitley Bay, North Tyneside, on June 17, 1999.
Five people were arrested but nobody has ever been charged.
Police in Newcastle say he was targeted by Republicans, but their efforts to trace those responsible have hit a wall of silence.
McGartland, already on the run as a known IRA informer to MI5, was moved and given a new identity.
In 2008 he wrote a bestseller about his experiences in 50 Dead Men Walking, which was turned into a hit movie starring Sir Ben Kingsley and Jim Sturgess last year.
Jim Sturgess as Martin McGartland in Fifty Dead Men Walking
We can reveal the team tasked with assassinating McGartland ended up boozing with one of his pals and made a drunken pact just to wound, not kill, him.
Our source said: "S sent the team down to Newcastle. Their orders were to kill, and they did fire six bullets into McGartland - but most of them were in his lower body.
"They struck a deal with a close friend of Marty's and agreed not to kill him."
McGartland, codenamed 'Agent Carol', gave information to Special Branch between 1987 and 1991, as he rose to the centre of IRA and Sinn Féin operations. At one time he was tied up and interrogated by an IRA death squad, and only escaped by jumping from a window.
He moved to England and received almost £100,000 to buy a house and start again in Whitley Bay, using the name Martin Ashe. It was Northumbria Police who brought the IRA hit team to his door when, in 1997, his identity was revealed in court after he was caught breaking the speed limit and prosecuted for holding driving licences in different names, which he explained was a means of avoiding IRA detection. He was cleared of perverting the course of justice.
After the shooting, he was given round-the-clock armed protection and an armoured car. The man leading the hunt for the would-be killers, Det Chief Supt Chris Thomson, said: "It was a cold-blooded, calculated assassination attempt.
"McGartland's history as an agent for the then Royal Ulster Constabulary and his supplying of information about the Provisional IRA is a matter of public knowledge, documented in his bookss. Our main line of inquiry continues to be that Mr McGartland may have been shot by people with Irish Republican sympathies."
Northumbria Police are continuing to use DNA recovered from the scene to eliminate people from the investigation. Other lines of inquiry involve a van abandoned at the scene, which had been bought two days before the attack, and a pistol forensically linked to the shooting.
McGartland, who is still in hiding, declined to comment.
The hitman probe is the latest in a series of links between Glasgow and some of the IRA's worst atrocities.
Hugh Doherty, 59 - linked to 16 IRA murders - came from Toryglen in the city, while Brighton bomber Patrick Magee, 59, was arrested at a safe house in nearby Govanhill.
Story Link;- http://www.newsoftheworld.co.uk/scottish/scottish_news/865845/Mystery-Scot-is-Prime-suspect-behind-MI5-assassination-attempt.html
We ask; WHY ARE NOTHUMBRIA POLICE STILL COVERING UP IN MARTIN MCGARTLAND CASE - The Dogs in the Street know the IRA tried to kill Martin, The News of the World and many others newspapers know it so why are Northumbria Police, after 11 long years, still covering up IRA involvement in Martin McGartland's 1999 attempted murder?
=========================================================================================================================
IRA's secret Glasgow hitman
MYSTERY SCOT IS PRIME SUSPECT BEHIND ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT
By Charles Lavery, 04/07/2010
THE prime suspect behind an attempt to assassinate an MI5 supergrass is a mystery Scot who masterminded the IRA hit from his Glasgow base, the News of the World can reveal.
The 52-year-old, who we can only call 'S' for legal reasons, sent a three-man team of Scottish hitmen to Newcastle to kill IRA informer Martin McGartland in 1999.
Northumbria Police last week renewed an appeal for information over the attempted murder of McGartland, who survived being blasted six times during the attack.
And last night a source at the force told how 'S' is a prime suspect.
The terror boss has organised IRA active service units on the British mainland for more than two decades and runs operations from his base in the Calton district of Glasgow.
Our source said: "This individual has come up time and time again during our investigations.
"It seems he sent the team down to Newcastle with the express instruction to carry out their hit.
"That is the line of inquiry being focused on at the moment."
'S' is well known to counter-terror officers in the UK and runs his operations from some Celtic- affiliated pubs in the Calton area, where he is a respected member of the Catholic community.
Sources claim he has been involved in EVERY IRA operation on the UK mainland for three decades.
Northumbria Police also now believe 'S' is directly connected to the attempt to murder McGartland, 40, who was shot as he sat in his car in Whitley Bay, North Tyneside, on June 17, 1999.
Five people were arrested but nobody has ever been charged.
Police in Newcastle say he was targeted by Republicans, but their efforts to trace those responsible have hit a wall of silence.
McGartland, already on the run as a known IRA informer to MI5, was moved and given a new identity.
In 2008 he wrote a bestseller about his experiences in 50 Dead Men Walking, which was turned into a hit movie starring Sir Ben Kingsley and Jim Sturgess last year.
Jim Sturgess as Martin McGartland in Fifty Dead Men Walking
We can reveal the team tasked with assassinating McGartland ended up boozing with one of his pals and made a drunken pact just to wound, not kill, him.
Our source said: "S sent the team down to Newcastle. Their orders were to kill, and they did fire six bullets into McGartland - but most of them were in his lower body.
"They struck a deal with a close friend of Marty's and agreed not to kill him."
McGartland, codenamed 'Agent Carol', gave information to Special Branch between 1987 and 1991, as he rose to the centre of IRA and Sinn Féin operations. At one time he was tied up and interrogated by an IRA death squad, and only escaped by jumping from a window.
He moved to England and received almost £100,000 to buy a house and start again in Whitley Bay, using the name Martin Ashe. It was Northumbria Police who brought the IRA hit team to his door when, in 1997, his identity was revealed in court after he was caught breaking the speed limit and prosecuted for holding driving licences in different names, which he explained was a means of avoiding IRA detection. He was cleared of perverting the course of justice.
After the shooting, he was given round-the-clock armed protection and an armoured car. The man leading the hunt for the would-be killers, Det Chief Supt Chris Thomson, said: "It was a cold-blooded, calculated assassination attempt.
"McGartland's history as an agent for the then Royal Ulster Constabulary and his supplying of information about the Provisional IRA is a matter of public knowledge, documented in his bookss. Our main line of inquiry continues to be that Mr McGartland may have been shot by people with Irish Republican sympathies."
Northumbria Police are continuing to use DNA recovered from the scene to eliminate people from the investigation. Other lines of inquiry involve a van abandoned at the scene, which had been bought two days before the attack, and a pistol forensically linked to the shooting.
McGartland, who is still in hiding, declined to comment.
The hitman probe is the latest in a series of links between Glasgow and some of the IRA's worst atrocities.
Hugh Doherty, 59 - linked to 16 IRA murders - came from Toryglen in the city, while Brighton bomber Patrick Magee, 59, was arrested at a safe house in nearby Govanhill.
Story Link;- http://www.newsoftheworld.co.uk/scottish/scottish_news/865845/Mystery-Scot-is-Prime-suspect-behind-MI5-assassination-attempt.html
Shooting Northumbria Police Lies, Dirty Tricks and Cover Up of IRA attempted murder.
Shooting Northumbria Police Lies, Dirty Tricks and Cover Up of IRA attempted murder.
We ask; WHY ARE NOTHUMBRIA POLICE STILL COVERING UP IN MARTIN MCGARTLAND CASE - The Dogs in the Street know the IRA tried to kill Martin, The News of the World and many others newspapers know it so why are Northumbria Police, after 11 long years, still covering up IRA involvement in Martin McGartland's 1999 attempted murder?
=========================================================================================================================
IRA's secret Glasgow hitman
MYSTERY SCOT IS PRIME SUSPECT BEHIND ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT
By Charles Lavery, 04/07/2010
THE prime suspect behind an attempt to assassinate an MI5 supergrass is a mystery Scot who masterminded the IRA hit from his Glasgow base, the News of the World can reveal.
The 52-year-old, who we can only call 'S' for legal reasons, sent a three-man team of Scottish hitmen to Newcastle to kill IRA informer Martin McGartland in 1999.
Northumbria Police last week renewed an appeal for information over the attempted murder of McGartland, who survived being blasted six times during the attack.
And last night a source at the force told how 'S' is a prime suspect.
The terror boss has organised IRA active service units on the British mainland for more than two decades and runs operations from his base in the Calton district of Glasgow.
Our source said: "This individual has come up time and time again during our investigations.
"It seems he sent the team down to Newcastle with the express instruction to carry out their hit.
"That is the line of inquiry being focused on at the moment."
'S' is well known to counter-terror officers in the UK and runs his operations from some Celtic- affiliated pubs in the Calton area, where he is a respected member of the Catholic community.
Sources claim he has been involved in EVERY IRA operation on the UK mainland for three decades.
Northumbria Police also now believe 'S' is directly connected to the attempt to murder McGartland, 40, who was shot as he sat in his car in Whitley Bay, North Tyneside, on June 17, 1999.
Five people were arrested but nobody has ever been charged.
Police in Newcastle say he was targeted by Republicans, but their efforts to trace those responsible have hit a wall of silence.
McGartland, already on the run as a known IRA informer to MI5, was moved and given a new identity.
In 2008 he wrote a bestseller about his experiences in 50 Dead Men Walking, which was turned into a hit movie starring Sir Ben Kingsley and Jim Sturgess last year.
Jim Sturgess as Martin McGartland in Fifty Dead Men Walking
We can reveal the team tasked with assassinating McGartland ended up boozing with one of his pals and made a drunken pact just to wound, not kill, him.
Our source said: "S sent the team down to Newcastle. Their orders were to kill, and they did fire six bullets into McGartland - but most of them were in his lower body.
"They struck a deal with a close friend of Marty's and agreed not to kill him."
McGartland, codenamed 'Agent Carol', gave information to Special Branch between 1987 and 1991, as he rose to the centre of IRA and Sinn Féin operations. At one time he was tied up and interrogated by an IRA death squad, and only escaped by jumping from a window.
He moved to England and received almost £100,000 to buy a house and start again in Whitley Bay, using the name Martin Ashe. It was Northumbria Police who brought the IRA hit team to his door when, in 1997, his identity was revealed in court after he was caught breaking the speed limit and prosecuted for holding driving licences in different names, which he explained was a means of avoiding IRA detection. He was cleared of perverting the course of justice.
After the shooting, he was given round-the-clock armed protection and an armoured car. The man leading the hunt for the would-be killers, Det Chief Supt Chris Thomson, said: "It was a cold-blooded, calculated assassination attempt.
"McGartland's history as an agent for the then Royal Ulster Constabulary and his supplying of information about the Provisional IRA is a matter of public knowledge, documented in his bookss. Our main line of inquiry continues to be that Mr McGartland may have been shot by people with Irish Republican sympathies."
Northumbria Police are continuing to use DNA recovered from the scene to eliminate people from the investigation. Other lines of inquiry involve a van abandoned at the scene, which had been bought two days before the attack, and a pistol forensically linked to the shooting.
McGartland, who is still in hiding, declined to comment.
The hitman probe is the latest in a series of links between Glasgow and some of the IRA's worst atrocities.
Hugh Doherty, 59 - linked to 16 IRA murders - came from Toryglen in the city, while Brighton bomber Patrick Magee, 59, was arrested at a safe house in nearby Govanhill.
Story Link;- http://www.newsoftheworld.co.uk/scottish/scottish_news/865845/Mystery-Scot-is-Prime-suspect-behind-MI5-assassination-attempt.html
We ask; WHY ARE NOTHUMBRIA POLICE STILL COVERING UP IN MARTIN MCGARTLAND CASE - The Dogs in the Street know the IRA tried to kill Martin, The News of the World and many others newspapers know it so why are Northumbria Police, after 11 long years, still covering up IRA involvement in Martin McGartland's 1999 attempted murder?
=========================================================================================================================
IRA's secret Glasgow hitman
MYSTERY SCOT IS PRIME SUSPECT BEHIND ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT
By Charles Lavery, 04/07/2010
THE prime suspect behind an attempt to assassinate an MI5 supergrass is a mystery Scot who masterminded the IRA hit from his Glasgow base, the News of the World can reveal.
The 52-year-old, who we can only call 'S' for legal reasons, sent a three-man team of Scottish hitmen to Newcastle to kill IRA informer Martin McGartland in 1999.
Northumbria Police last week renewed an appeal for information over the attempted murder of McGartland, who survived being blasted six times during the attack.
And last night a source at the force told how 'S' is a prime suspect.
The terror boss has organised IRA active service units on the British mainland for more than two decades and runs operations from his base in the Calton district of Glasgow.
Our source said: "This individual has come up time and time again during our investigations.
"It seems he sent the team down to Newcastle with the express instruction to carry out their hit.
"That is the line of inquiry being focused on at the moment."
'S' is well known to counter-terror officers in the UK and runs his operations from some Celtic- affiliated pubs in the Calton area, where he is a respected member of the Catholic community.
Sources claim he has been involved in EVERY IRA operation on the UK mainland for three decades.
Northumbria Police also now believe 'S' is directly connected to the attempt to murder McGartland, 40, who was shot as he sat in his car in Whitley Bay, North Tyneside, on June 17, 1999.
Five people were arrested but nobody has ever been charged.
Police in Newcastle say he was targeted by Republicans, but their efforts to trace those responsible have hit a wall of silence.
McGartland, already on the run as a known IRA informer to MI5, was moved and given a new identity.
In 2008 he wrote a bestseller about his experiences in 50 Dead Men Walking, which was turned into a hit movie starring Sir Ben Kingsley and Jim Sturgess last year.
Jim Sturgess as Martin McGartland in Fifty Dead Men Walking
We can reveal the team tasked with assassinating McGartland ended up boozing with one of his pals and made a drunken pact just to wound, not kill, him.
Our source said: "S sent the team down to Newcastle. Their orders were to kill, and they did fire six bullets into McGartland - but most of them were in his lower body.
"They struck a deal with a close friend of Marty's and agreed not to kill him."
McGartland, codenamed 'Agent Carol', gave information to Special Branch between 1987 and 1991, as he rose to the centre of IRA and Sinn Féin operations. At one time he was tied up and interrogated by an IRA death squad, and only escaped by jumping from a window.
He moved to England and received almost £100,000 to buy a house and start again in Whitley Bay, using the name Martin Ashe. It was Northumbria Police who brought the IRA hit team to his door when, in 1997, his identity was revealed in court after he was caught breaking the speed limit and prosecuted for holding driving licences in different names, which he explained was a means of avoiding IRA detection. He was cleared of perverting the course of justice.
After the shooting, he was given round-the-clock armed protection and an armoured car. The man leading the hunt for the would-be killers, Det Chief Supt Chris Thomson, said: "It was a cold-blooded, calculated assassination attempt.
"McGartland's history as an agent for the then Royal Ulster Constabulary and his supplying of information about the Provisional IRA is a matter of public knowledge, documented in his bookss. Our main line of inquiry continues to be that Mr McGartland may have been shot by people with Irish Republican sympathies."
Northumbria Police are continuing to use DNA recovered from the scene to eliminate people from the investigation. Other lines of inquiry involve a van abandoned at the scene, which had been bought two days before the attack, and a pistol forensically linked to the shooting.
McGartland, who is still in hiding, declined to comment.
The hitman probe is the latest in a series of links between Glasgow and some of the IRA's worst atrocities.
Hugh Doherty, 59 - linked to 16 IRA murders - came from Toryglen in the city, while Brighton bomber Patrick Magee, 59, was arrested at a safe house in nearby Govanhill.
Story Link;- http://www.newsoftheworld.co.uk/scottish/scottish_news/865845/Mystery-Scot-is-Prime-suspect-behind-MI5-assassination-attempt.html
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Marty McGartland Says; Help the RUC Special Branch heroes
=========================================================================================================================
Marty Says; Help the RUC Special Branch heroes.
These former RUC special Branch officers give their all and they must be compensated for their injuries.
I know, as someone who worked with SB officers between 1987-1991, what these very brave men and women went through.
It was constant danger 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and 365 days of the year.
Why did they do it? To protect the people of Ireland, north and south, from the bombers and killers of the IRA, INLA, IPLO, UVF, UFF etc. The brave men and women of the RUC special branch put their own lives in grat danger. They were expected to go into the loins den, to meet killers and to get the information from spies, informers and agents, the information that would be used to save life.
When the SB officers whent out they Never knew if they would ever return from such meetings.
The SB officers put themselves in great danger daily, day in day out. The information those SB officers obtained resulted in the lives, of a very large numbers of people, who would otherwise have been murdered, being saved.
We should be thanking the brave SB officers and ensuring they get the compensation needed for there injuries and the care they require.
If there is anything, anything at all that I can do to help these brave men and women just get in touch, via facebook, bebo, friend of friend etc.
Good Luck and god bless you all.
Martin McGartland
=========================================================================================================================
Killers who acted as informers could be publicly named as part of a legal attempt by ex-RUC officers to show the pressures they worked under, it has been claimed.
RUC stress case 'could name' informers
Killers who acted as informers could be publicly named as part of a legal attempt by ex-RUC officers to show the pressures they worked under.
Thursday, 24 June 2010
As the first 10 cases to be heard in a renewed post-traumatic stress lawsuit were identified, the most senior retired policeman involved in the action warned of the lengths they were prepared to go.
The former deputy head of CID in Belfast, who requested anonymity for security reasons, said: "The guys are saying they will be relying on facts and situations which they were placed in, vis-a-vis looking after killers and murderers who were also known informants.
"Effectively a lot of them are going to use these type of scenarios to support their illness. They were subjected to dealing with this type of thing on a daily basis.
"That's all going to be opened up in court, the names of informants and what the police were subjected to."
Detailing his own experiences, the ex-detective said he was seriously injured by an IRA bomb in Donegall Street, Belfast in the early 1970s and narrowly survived when INLA men opened fire on him in Newry, Co Down in 1987.
He is among scores of former officers planning to represent themselves as personal litigants after losing a class action against the Chief Constable.
Up to 5,500 officers had sued over how they were treated for anxiety and depression suffered during decades of exposure to violence.
They believed they secured victory two years ago when a judge ruled there had been systematic failures within the force.
But any hopes of a multi-million pound compensation award were then dealt a crushing blow when 10 test cases were rejected.
A challenge to the verdicts brought on generic issues and five of the lead cases was subsequently dismissed by the Court of Appeal last June.
With uncertainty surrounding the intention of thousands of those officers involved in the original case, a High Court judge is now planning to set them a deadline for confirming whether or not they want to continue.
Lawyers for the Chief Constable have already ruled out any further mediation and warned that any plaintiffs who proceed and lose their case will each face legal bills of at least 50,000.
Mr Justice Gillen is expected to allow time for any applications to strike-out cases once the deadline passes.
In the meantime he also confirmed today that the first batch of 10 actions have been selected.
"Their cases have been chosen at random and it is intended to process their cases," he said.
The judge added: "I have to protect the Article 6 right to a fair trial, but at the same time I have to recognise that a fair trial depends on the circumstances.
"The circumstances here are that if there is a very large number of cases I cannot allow them to be delayed. Justice delayed is often justice denied."
After a further review hearing was set for September one of those in the first 10 cases claimed they could lead to major revelations.
The retired Special Branch officer, who also requested anonymity, said outside court: "This could end up bigger than Bloody Sunday when all the cans of worms are opened."
© UTV News
Link here; -http://www.u.tv/News/RUC-stress-case-could-name-informers/1053d5c5-764c-4e1e-840c-b3a58433fc1c
Marty Says; Help the RUC Special Branch heroes.
These former RUC special Branch officers give their all and they must be compensated for their injuries.
I know, as someone who worked with SB officers between 1987-1991, what these very brave men and women went through.
It was constant danger 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and 365 days of the year.
Why did they do it? To protect the people of Ireland, north and south, from the bombers and killers of the IRA, INLA, IPLO, UVF, UFF etc. The brave men and women of the RUC special branch put their own lives in grat danger. They were expected to go into the loins den, to meet killers and to get the information from spies, informers and agents, the information that would be used to save life.
When the SB officers whent out they Never knew if they would ever return from such meetings.
The SB officers put themselves in great danger daily, day in day out. The information those SB officers obtained resulted in the lives, of a very large numbers of people, who would otherwise have been murdered, being saved.
We should be thanking the brave SB officers and ensuring they get the compensation needed for there injuries and the care they require.
If there is anything, anything at all that I can do to help these brave men and women just get in touch, via facebook, bebo, friend of friend etc.
Good Luck and god bless you all.
Martin McGartland
=========================================================================================================================
Killers who acted as informers could be publicly named as part of a legal attempt by ex-RUC officers to show the pressures they worked under, it has been claimed.
RUC stress case 'could name' informers
Killers who acted as informers could be publicly named as part of a legal attempt by ex-RUC officers to show the pressures they worked under.
Thursday, 24 June 2010
As the first 10 cases to be heard in a renewed post-traumatic stress lawsuit were identified, the most senior retired policeman involved in the action warned of the lengths they were prepared to go.
The former deputy head of CID in Belfast, who requested anonymity for security reasons, said: "The guys are saying they will be relying on facts and situations which they were placed in, vis-a-vis looking after killers and murderers who were also known informants.
"Effectively a lot of them are going to use these type of scenarios to support their illness. They were subjected to dealing with this type of thing on a daily basis.
"That's all going to be opened up in court, the names of informants and what the police were subjected to."
Detailing his own experiences, the ex-detective said he was seriously injured by an IRA bomb in Donegall Street, Belfast in the early 1970s and narrowly survived when INLA men opened fire on him in Newry, Co Down in 1987.
He is among scores of former officers planning to represent themselves as personal litigants after losing a class action against the Chief Constable.
Up to 5,500 officers had sued over how they were treated for anxiety and depression suffered during decades of exposure to violence.
They believed they secured victory two years ago when a judge ruled there had been systematic failures within the force.
But any hopes of a multi-million pound compensation award were then dealt a crushing blow when 10 test cases were rejected.
A challenge to the verdicts brought on generic issues and five of the lead cases was subsequently dismissed by the Court of Appeal last June.
With uncertainty surrounding the intention of thousands of those officers involved in the original case, a High Court judge is now planning to set them a deadline for confirming whether or not they want to continue.
Lawyers for the Chief Constable have already ruled out any further mediation and warned that any plaintiffs who proceed and lose their case will each face legal bills of at least 50,000.
Mr Justice Gillen is expected to allow time for any applications to strike-out cases once the deadline passes.
In the meantime he also confirmed today that the first batch of 10 actions have been selected.
"Their cases have been chosen at random and it is intended to process their cases," he said.
The judge added: "I have to protect the Article 6 right to a fair trial, but at the same time I have to recognise that a fair trial depends on the circumstances.
"The circumstances here are that if there is a very large number of cases I cannot allow them to be delayed. Justice delayed is often justice denied."
After a further review hearing was set for September one of those in the first 10 cases claimed they could lead to major revelations.
The retired Special Branch officer, who also requested anonymity, said outside court: "This could end up bigger than Bloody Sunday when all the cans of worms are opened."
© UTV News
Link here; -http://www.u.tv/News/RUC-stress-case-could-name-informers/1053d5c5-764c-4e1e-840c-b3a58433fc1c
Northumbria Police not telling truth in Martin McGartland attempted murder case.
Martin McGartland was shot 6 times by the IRA outside his home in Whitley Bay in June 1999.
The IRA only discovered where Martin McGartland was living, and his new name, after Northumbria Police read out, in open court, his name and home address. Martin’s name and address was then published in UK newspapers. During the past two years Northumbria Police have peddled lies about above Martin McGartland’s case and have covered up IRA involvement in Martin’s 1999 attempted murder.
In Northumbria Police’s last two press releases, June 2009 and june 2010, they continue with their cover-up and their lies. They state; “Our main line of inquiry continues to be that Mr McGartland may have been shot by a person or people with Irish Republican sympathies, for reasons closely linked to his former life in Northern Ireland.”
Northumbria Police make this statement 10 and 11 years after Martin’s shooting and given they now have evidence and intelligence to show that the IRA were behind the shooting. Northumbria Police have been involved in a cover-up in the Martin McGartland case since the June 1999 shooting. They continue to protect those involved in the shooting and cover-up IRA involvement in the attack.
“I have asked Northumbria Police if there is any evidence to show that the IRA was involved in my shooting, Northumbria Police will not answer that question. I also asked if there was any intelligence that the IRA was involved, Northumbria Police said they would not answer question about intelligence. “, says Martin McGartland. The Cover-up continues.
The IRA only discovered where Martin McGartland was living, and his new name, after Northumbria Police read out, in open court, his name and home address. Martin’s name and address was then published in UK newspapers. During the past two years Northumbria Police have peddled lies about above Martin McGartland’s case and have covered up IRA involvement in Martin’s 1999 attempted murder.
In Northumbria Police’s last two press releases, June 2009 and june 2010, they continue with their cover-up and their lies. They state; “Our main line of inquiry continues to be that Mr McGartland may have been shot by a person or people with Irish Republican sympathies, for reasons closely linked to his former life in Northern Ireland.”
Northumbria Police make this statement 10 and 11 years after Martin’s shooting and given they now have evidence and intelligence to show that the IRA were behind the shooting. Northumbria Police have been involved in a cover-up in the Martin McGartland case since the June 1999 shooting. They continue to protect those involved in the shooting and cover-up IRA involvement in the attack.
“I have asked Northumbria Police if there is any evidence to show that the IRA was involved in my shooting, Northumbria Police will not answer that question. I also asked if there was any intelligence that the IRA was involved, Northumbria Police said they would not answer question about intelligence. “, says Martin McGartland. The Cover-up continues.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Northumbria Poilice still have not charged anyone in IRA attempted murder of British Agent Martin McGartland
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Martin McGartland and the Northumbria Police Cover-Up
The letter (in following report) from Mr Crimmens claims McGartland has put his own life and those of his armed escorts at risk by slipping away from the safe house on at least one occasion. 'ACC Tony Crimmens, like his Pals in HQ, are liars and have never told the truth since the day of my shooting by the IRA. I wanted to go to do a tv interview, however, Mi5, Northumbria Police did not want it to happen. They did not want me to tell the public the truth, Northumbria Police were trying to keep me away from media, however, I was NOT going to allow that to happen. So I will say it again ACC TONY CRIMMENS former yes man, ACC at Northumbria Police is a LIAR and he was directly involved in the Northumbria Police cover-up and smearing of me on the day of my shooting and thereafter.', said Martin McGartland.
===========================================================================================================================
I shall not be moved vows McGartland.
The Birmingham Post
February 21, 2000
Former IRA informer Martin McGartland, who survived an assassination attempt eight months ago, yesterday said he would fight police attempts to move him out of a safe house where he has been under 24-hour armed protection.
Northumbria Police want him take up a new identity in another part of the country or accept 28 days' notice to find "alternative accommodation".
Reports have put the cost of providing 24-hour protection for Mr McGartland at more than a pounds 1 million.
The force declined to comment on reports that assistant chief constable Tony Crimmens had written to the ex-RUC agent last week with the ultimatum.
Mr McGartland is credited with saving 50 lives, including those of British servicemen, when he infiltrated the IRA in Belfast between 1988 and 1991.
He believes it was the IRA who last June tried to have him killed outside his home on Tyneside, where he moved after his cover was blown in 1991.
He was shot six times, but Northumbria Police have refused to say whether the shooting was linked to the IRA.
Mr McGartland said the alternatives being offered by police did not guarantee his safety, and he would be seeking a judicial review of the decision.
He said: "The law clearly states that if there has been any threat against any individual, the police have a duty to look after that person to such times as that threat goes.
"I know it was the IRA that tried to shoot me last year, even though Northumbria Police refuse to say that, and my life is still in danger.
"What is being offered to me does not guarantee my safety. The IRA could easily uncover any new identity the Crown authorities give me, and the move to new accommodation does not provide me with even CCTV security."
He said: "People forget that I fought on behalf of the Government and the RUC by getting inside the IRA, even if is was for only two years.
"At the end of the day, I put my life on the line, and now they are saying, `okay that was a long time ago you have nothing to fear'. But I have been shot since."
The letter from Mr Crimmens claims McGartland has put his own life and those of his armed escorts at risk by slipping away from the safe house on at least one occasion.
McGartland said the police were using the incident to force him out.
A Northumbria Police spokeswoman said the force was not commenting on Mr McGartland's security arrangements.
But a force spokesman said: "We consider it unreasonable to provide the current level of accommodation and security on a long-term basis."
Mr Andrew Mackay, Conservative spokesman on Northern Ireland, said: "Clearly, McGartland is at risk, particularly after the attempt on his life last year.
"In those circumstances it is essential that he is properly protected by the authorities, and if this were not to be the case those responsible for such a decision would be in dereliction of their duties."
http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-60516593.html
Martin McGartland and the Northumbria Police Cover-Up
The letter (in following report) from Mr Crimmens claims McGartland has put his own life and those of his armed escorts at risk by slipping away from the safe house on at least one occasion. 'ACC Tony Crimmens, like his Pals in HQ, are liars and have never told the truth since the day of my shooting by the IRA. I wanted to go to do a tv interview, however, Mi5, Northumbria Police did not want it to happen. They did not want me to tell the public the truth, Northumbria Police were trying to keep me away from media, however, I was NOT going to allow that to happen. So I will say it again ACC TONY CRIMMENS former yes man, ACC at Northumbria Police is a LIAR and he was directly involved in the Northumbria Police cover-up and smearing of me on the day of my shooting and thereafter.', said Martin McGartland.
===========================================================================================================================
I shall not be moved vows McGartland.
The Birmingham Post
February 21, 2000
Former IRA informer Martin McGartland, who survived an assassination attempt eight months ago, yesterday said he would fight police attempts to move him out of a safe house where he has been under 24-hour armed protection.
Northumbria Police want him take up a new identity in another part of the country or accept 28 days' notice to find "alternative accommodation".
Reports have put the cost of providing 24-hour protection for Mr McGartland at more than a pounds 1 million.
The force declined to comment on reports that assistant chief constable Tony Crimmens had written to the ex-RUC agent last week with the ultimatum.
Mr McGartland is credited with saving 50 lives, including those of British servicemen, when he infiltrated the IRA in Belfast between 1988 and 1991.
He believes it was the IRA who last June tried to have him killed outside his home on Tyneside, where he moved after his cover was blown in 1991.
He was shot six times, but Northumbria Police have refused to say whether the shooting was linked to the IRA.
Mr McGartland said the alternatives being offered by police did not guarantee his safety, and he would be seeking a judicial review of the decision.
He said: "The law clearly states that if there has been any threat against any individual, the police have a duty to look after that person to such times as that threat goes.
"I know it was the IRA that tried to shoot me last year, even though Northumbria Police refuse to say that, and my life is still in danger.
"What is being offered to me does not guarantee my safety. The IRA could easily uncover any new identity the Crown authorities give me, and the move to new accommodation does not provide me with even CCTV security."
He said: "People forget that I fought on behalf of the Government and the RUC by getting inside the IRA, even if is was for only two years.
"At the end of the day, I put my life on the line, and now they are saying, `okay that was a long time ago you have nothing to fear'. But I have been shot since."
The letter from Mr Crimmens claims McGartland has put his own life and those of his armed escorts at risk by slipping away from the safe house on at least one occasion.
McGartland said the police were using the incident to force him out.
A Northumbria Police spokeswoman said the force was not commenting on Mr McGartland's security arrangements.
But a force spokesman said: "We consider it unreasonable to provide the current level of accommodation and security on a long-term basis."
Mr Andrew Mackay, Conservative spokesman on Northern Ireland, said: "Clearly, McGartland is at risk, particularly after the attempt on his life last year.
"In those circumstances it is essential that he is properly protected by the authorities, and if this were not to be the case those responsible for such a decision would be in dereliction of their duties."
http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-60516593.html
Monday, June 21, 2010
IRA's criminality ignored to keep process alive
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Martin McGartland Knows All About It. Northumbria Police have been turning a blind-eye to his attemped murder by the IRA for 11 years, Marty stated from day one that Northumbria Police, Mi5 and others were doing so to keep the process alive.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
IRA's criminality ignored to keep process alive
Belfast Telegraph, Monday, 21 June 2010
Last week was a tough week for the forgotten and innocent victims of terrorism.Wall-to-wall coverage of Saville, underscoring a perverse hierarchy of victims, along with the frenzied vilification of the security forces, has left many law-abiding citizens dismayed.
The First Minister's compliant acceptance and endorsement of Saville, without so much as a whimper about its findings that his partner, McGuinness, was in possession of a sub-machine gun and, if so, perjured himself, only added to the feeling that all sense of right and wrong has been so dumbed down to placate the 'peace process' that we are a society without any moral compass. The priority of preserving the terrorists in government process at all costs also explains the deliberate suppression of a most far-reaching event in Co Laois. In collaboration with Interpol, Gardai a few days ago discovered a huge currency counterfeiting operation in an IRA bunker, which has been netting the IRA millions across the world. Run by a 'pardoned' IRA murderer and three members of Sinn Fein it explodes the officially sanctioned myth IRA/Sinn Fein has abandoned all criminality and, thus, is fit for government.
If, as appears, IRA/Sinn Fein has indeed been caught out involved in an international currency counterfeiting operation, what action will we see from those who assured us they had ensured such criminality was over and that Sinn Fein was now fit to be partnered in government?
This should be a moment of truth. Sadly, I fear it will be another dishonest indulgence of denial, as preserving the process is again judged more important than getting worked up about a bit of international criminality by a party of government.
JIM ALLISTER
Leader, Traditional Unionist Voice
http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/opinion/letters/iras-criminality-ignored-to-keep-process-alive-14850271.html
Martin McGartland Knows All About It. Northumbria Police have been turning a blind-eye to his attemped murder by the IRA for 11 years, Marty stated from day one that Northumbria Police, Mi5 and others were doing so to keep the process alive.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
IRA's criminality ignored to keep process alive
Belfast Telegraph, Monday, 21 June 2010
Last week was a tough week for the forgotten and innocent victims of terrorism.Wall-to-wall coverage of Saville, underscoring a perverse hierarchy of victims, along with the frenzied vilification of the security forces, has left many law-abiding citizens dismayed.
The First Minister's compliant acceptance and endorsement of Saville, without so much as a whimper about its findings that his partner, McGuinness, was in possession of a sub-machine gun and, if so, perjured himself, only added to the feeling that all sense of right and wrong has been so dumbed down to placate the 'peace process' that we are a society without any moral compass. The priority of preserving the terrorists in government process at all costs also explains the deliberate suppression of a most far-reaching event in Co Laois. In collaboration with Interpol, Gardai a few days ago discovered a huge currency counterfeiting operation in an IRA bunker, which has been netting the IRA millions across the world. Run by a 'pardoned' IRA murderer and three members of Sinn Fein it explodes the officially sanctioned myth IRA/Sinn Fein has abandoned all criminality and, thus, is fit for government.
If, as appears, IRA/Sinn Fein has indeed been caught out involved in an international currency counterfeiting operation, what action will we see from those who assured us they had ensured such criminality was over and that Sinn Fein was now fit to be partnered in government?
This should be a moment of truth. Sadly, I fear it will be another dishonest indulgence of denial, as preserving the process is again judged more important than getting worked up about a bit of international criminality by a party of government.
JIM ALLISTER
Leader, Traditional Unionist Voice
http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/opinion/letters/iras-criminality-ignored-to-keep-process-alive-14850271.html
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Northumbria Police Press Release is fundamentally racist, politically motivated and also misleading, say Martin McGartland
Northumbria Police Press Release is fundamentally racist, politically motivated and also misleading, say Martin McGartland
Letter by Martin McGartland;
Dear Sir,
Northumbria Police Press Release is fundamentally racist, politically
motivated and also misleading.
I have to respond to Northumbria Police's Press Release, which was also reported in your newspaper on thursday 17th June 2010 regarding my June 1999 attempted murder.
The Press Release Included the words "Our main line of inquiry, therefore, continues to be that Mr McGartland may have been shot by a person or people with Irish Republican sympathies for reasons closely linked to his former life in Northern Ireland."
If Northumbria Police believe, as they have told me they believe, that my attempted murder was carried out by members or former members of the Provisional IRA who resented my work as a security force agent they should say so in plain terms. Their attempts to skirt round this fact are not only misleading, they convey a subtext which is fundamentally racist.
For a start not all the suspects who I know of are Irish. Secondly Irish republicanism is a respectable political ideology which should not be equated with terrorism or murder. Fianna Fail, the ruling party in the Irish republic, describes itself as “the republican party” and is the largest republican organisation on the island. Most people who
support a republican ideal have no truck terrorism and do not deserve to be pilloried in this way.
I am now formally calling on the Northumbria Police to amend the wording of their appeal and to make it clearer and fairer. It breaches their own code of conduct and if they refuse to amend it I will make a formal complaint and also take the matter further.
I also want to place on the record that I believe that Northumbria Police are involved in a cover-up when dealing with my 1999 attempted murder case. I also believe that Northumbria Police know who shot me and that they know where to find them but feel constrained from taking the appropriate action by political considerations.
Intended or not, this has the effect of protecting IRA terrorists who were involved in my shooting and reduces the effectiveness of their appeal.
Yours,
Martin McGartland
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The above letter was written by Martin McGartland after Northumbria Police said;
Renewed appeal over shooting.
Dated: 17 Jun 2010
Northumbria Police
Police officers investigating the attempted murder of a man over a decade ago have renewed their appeal for information.
Martin McGartland was shot as he sat in his car in Duchess Street, Whitley Bay, 11 years ago today.
Despite being shot a number of times at close range, Mr McGartland survived the attack on June 17, 1999.
Although a number of arrests have been made, nobody has ever been charged with the attempted murder, and an extensive investigation is continuing.
Detective Chief Superintendent Chris Thomson, who is leading the investigation, said: "Although this was an unsuccessful attack, it was a cold-blooded, calculated murder attempt which caused Mr McGartland serious injuries.
"Our main line of enquiry continues to be that Mr McGartland may have been shot by a person or people with Irish Republican sympathies, for reasons closely linked to his former life in Northern Ireland.
"Mr McGartland's history as an agent for the then Royal Ulster Constabulary and his supplying of information about the Provisional IRA is a matter of public knowledge, documented in his own books on the subject."
Detectives are continuing to use DNA recovered from the scene to eliminate people from the investigation.
Other lines of enquiry centre around a van abandoned at the scene which had been bought only two days before the attack, and a message left on a telephone answering machine a few days earlier, asking about a van for sale. The caller had a Scottish accent, originating from somewhere in the Glasgow region.
Two semi-automatic pistols and some ammunition were found in the Gateshead area within months of the attack. One of the guns was forensically linked to the shooting and police believe those responsible may have stayed in the Gateshead area in the run up to the attack and possibly afterwards. This is another line of enquiry.
Det Chief Supt Thomson added: "Although nothing substantial came out of last year's appeal, which marked the 10th anniversary of the incident, we are determined to make sure that anyone who may have any information about this attack has the opportunity to come forward.
"Over time, word can leak out and be talked about. People's loyalties can change a lot in eleven years, and people may now be prepared to help us - it's a long time for people to keep silent about something like this.
"Anyone who may have information can contact Northumbria Police on 03456 043 043, ext 69191 or the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."
Police still have an audio tape message left on a telephone answering machine a few days before the shooting by a man who is believed to be one of those involved in the attack. The caller was asking about the sale of a van which was similar to that used to conceal the gunman immediately before the shooting. To hear this tape again, log on to www.northumbria.police.uk/vanmessage
Link here:- http://www.northumbria.police.uk/details.asp?id=28113
Letter by Martin McGartland;
Dear Sir,
Northumbria Police Press Release is fundamentally racist, politically
motivated and also misleading.
I have to respond to Northumbria Police's Press Release, which was also reported in your newspaper on thursday 17th June 2010 regarding my June 1999 attempted murder.
The Press Release Included the words "Our main line of inquiry, therefore, continues to be that Mr McGartland may have been shot by a person or people with Irish Republican sympathies for reasons closely linked to his former life in Northern Ireland."
If Northumbria Police believe, as they have told me they believe, that my attempted murder was carried out by members or former members of the Provisional IRA who resented my work as a security force agent they should say so in plain terms. Their attempts to skirt round this fact are not only misleading, they convey a subtext which is fundamentally racist.
For a start not all the suspects who I know of are Irish. Secondly Irish republicanism is a respectable political ideology which should not be equated with terrorism or murder. Fianna Fail, the ruling party in the Irish republic, describes itself as “the republican party” and is the largest republican organisation on the island. Most people who
support a republican ideal have no truck terrorism and do not deserve to be pilloried in this way.
I am now formally calling on the Northumbria Police to amend the wording of their appeal and to make it clearer and fairer. It breaches their own code of conduct and if they refuse to amend it I will make a formal complaint and also take the matter further.
I also want to place on the record that I believe that Northumbria Police are involved in a cover-up when dealing with my 1999 attempted murder case. I also believe that Northumbria Police know who shot me and that they know where to find them but feel constrained from taking the appropriate action by political considerations.
Intended or not, this has the effect of protecting IRA terrorists who were involved in my shooting and reduces the effectiveness of their appeal.
Yours,
Martin McGartland
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The above letter was written by Martin McGartland after Northumbria Police said;
Renewed appeal over shooting.
Dated: 17 Jun 2010
Northumbria Police
Police officers investigating the attempted murder of a man over a decade ago have renewed their appeal for information.
Martin McGartland was shot as he sat in his car in Duchess Street, Whitley Bay, 11 years ago today.
Despite being shot a number of times at close range, Mr McGartland survived the attack on June 17, 1999.
Although a number of arrests have been made, nobody has ever been charged with the attempted murder, and an extensive investigation is continuing.
Detective Chief Superintendent Chris Thomson, who is leading the investigation, said: "Although this was an unsuccessful attack, it was a cold-blooded, calculated murder attempt which caused Mr McGartland serious injuries.
"Our main line of enquiry continues to be that Mr McGartland may have been shot by a person or people with Irish Republican sympathies, for reasons closely linked to his former life in Northern Ireland.
"Mr McGartland's history as an agent for the then Royal Ulster Constabulary and his supplying of information about the Provisional IRA is a matter of public knowledge, documented in his own books on the subject."
Detectives are continuing to use DNA recovered from the scene to eliminate people from the investigation.
Other lines of enquiry centre around a van abandoned at the scene which had been bought only two days before the attack, and a message left on a telephone answering machine a few days earlier, asking about a van for sale. The caller had a Scottish accent, originating from somewhere in the Glasgow region.
Two semi-automatic pistols and some ammunition were found in the Gateshead area within months of the attack. One of the guns was forensically linked to the shooting and police believe those responsible may have stayed in the Gateshead area in the run up to the attack and possibly afterwards. This is another line of enquiry.
Det Chief Supt Thomson added: "Although nothing substantial came out of last year's appeal, which marked the 10th anniversary of the incident, we are determined to make sure that anyone who may have any information about this attack has the opportunity to come forward.
"Over time, word can leak out and be talked about. People's loyalties can change a lot in eleven years, and people may now be prepared to help us - it's a long time for people to keep silent about something like this.
"Anyone who may have information can contact Northumbria Police on 03456 043 043, ext 69191 or the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."
Police still have an audio tape message left on a telephone answering machine a few days before the shooting by a man who is believed to be one of those involved in the attack. The caller was asking about the sale of a van which was similar to that used to conceal the gunman immediately before the shooting. To hear this tape again, log on to www.northumbria.police.uk/vanmessage
Link here:- http://www.northumbria.police.uk/details.asp?id=28113
Northumbria Police latest lies in Martin McGartland case;
Northumbria Police latest lies in Martin McGartland case;
“Our main line of inquiry continues to be that Mr McGartland may have been shot by a person or people with Irish Republican sympathies, for reasons closely linked to his former life in Northern Ireland.”
Marty says; "If Northumbria Police repeat the above lie often enough they may begin to believe it."
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you want to read more about the Martin McGartland case, Northumbria Police cover-up go to Martin McGartland facebook, bebo or our blogs.
“Our main line of inquiry continues to be that Mr McGartland may have been shot by a person or people with Irish Republican sympathies, for reasons closely linked to his former life in Northern Ireland.”
Marty says; "If Northumbria Police repeat the above lie often enough they may begin to believe it."
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you want to read more about the Martin McGartland case, Northumbria Police cover-up go to Martin McGartland facebook, bebo or our blogs.
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Martin McGartland asks would it help Northumbria Police if we dug up Sherlock Holmes
Northumbria Police's Secret Shame
Northumbria Police are Hopeless - Clueless and Spineless. Northumbria Police have been dealing with the attempted murder case of Martin McGartland since June 1999. Northumbria Police have never charged anyone with Martin's shooting.
"Would it help Northumbria Police if we dug up Sherlock Holmes.", asks Martin.
Martin McGartland says "Northumbria Police have been involved in an 11 year cover up since the day of the shooting. Northumbria Police have never come clean above the IRA being involved in my attempted murder.
Northumbria Police continue to lie, cover-up to hide their own failings in this case and also to protect those in the IRA who tried to murder me. I say Northumbria Police know who shot me, they also know where to find them. However, Northumbria Police are covering-up attempted murder and turning a blind-eye to IRA involvement."
Northumbria Police are Hopeless - Clueless and Spineless. Northumbria Police have been dealing with the attempted murder case of Martin McGartland since June 1999. Northumbria Police have never charged anyone with Martin's shooting.
"Would it help Northumbria Police if we dug up Sherlock Holmes.", asks Martin.
Martin McGartland says "Northumbria Police have been involved in an 11 year cover up since the day of the shooting. Northumbria Police have never come clean above the IRA being involved in my attempted murder.
Northumbria Police continue to lie, cover-up to hide their own failings in this case and also to protect those in the IRA who tried to murder me. I say Northumbria Police know who shot me, they also know where to find them. However, Northumbria Police are covering-up attempted murder and turning a blind-eye to IRA involvement."
Friday, June 18, 2010
Northumbria Police are not telling the truth in Martin McGartland
Martin McGartland - Northumbria Police; " ... an intelligence cock-up ..." "... I always wonder why I got the call..."
"Draw your own conclusions somewhere between stitch up, casual attention to detail, or human error. That, to me, remains as big a story as who shot him." etc.
Here Here Tony. Tony Horne was more fortunate than I because I too remember that night vivdly and I had called the Alan Robson show when I was highlighting my case as he was given police escort on the night at a time when I was pleading with Northumbria Police for any sort of help, protection, after Northumbria Police had exposed my identity by reading mmy name, home address, out in open court and which were printed in national newspapers for all to see. Thank you to Tony Horne for taking time to write his piece on the subject and although his article is very accurate, there are a few areas that I am happy to clarify, first being I was not in any shape or form a "double agent", that would mean I would have been an IRA terrorist who for whatever reason had been turned, blackmailed or in some way won over by the security services. No, I was at no time before or during my infiltration of the IRA either a member of the organisation or even a sympathiser, I was recruited by the security services for the purpose of infiltrating the IRA and to forwarn security services about all the workings, planning of future bombings, shootings and other attacks which were being discussed or planned.
Secondly, I have never lived in Canada at any time, this was just something which originated as a result of the film, Fifty Dead Men Walking, of which I had absolutely nothing to do with, in fact I took legal action against film makers and I and my solicitors sought and won changes to the film and also we ensured that legal disclaimers appeared at the bginning and also at the ending of the film, which makes it known that I was not in any way connected or involved with the film and that it was not a true account of my life story nor of my book of the same name. I was also paid damages and also compensation by the film makers. I have been on record stating that the film is as Near To The Truth As Earth Is To Pluto. I also said that the film is 90% total fiction.
To this day, 11 years after my attempted murder, Northumbria Police cointinue with their cover-up in my 1999 case. Northumbria Police are also covering up IRA involvment in my case. Northumbria Police are failing to tell the truth when dealing with my case.
===========================================================================================================================
======================================================================================================================================================================================================================================================
Tony Horne column, June 18 2010
Jun 18 2010 Tony Horne
CHILLING. That’s the word I would use to describe my state of mind in the last 24 hours. Not chilling out, but chilling as in spine-chilling.
I heard yesterday morning that Northumbria Police have renewed their appeal for information into the Whitley Bay shooting of Martin McGartland in 1999.
God, I remember that day. It hasn’t been on my mind much since but it is dominating my thoughts today.
In the summer of 1997, I hosted Alan Robson’s Night Owls show for two weeks on Metro Radio. It was only the second time in my professional career that I had hosted a talk show.
It went well, but I was out of my depth. At about 11.20, or maybe 12.20, I took a call from Mr McGartland. I didn’t have a clue who he was.
As you may know by now, he was an IRA double agent who went on to tell his amazing story of saving lives in Fifty Dead Men Walking, including the story of his own escape from an IRA execution by jumping from a third-floor window.
His new identity as Martin Ash was blown by Northumbria Police who prosecuted him on driving offences, one of which was holding driving licences in different names. This, you have to say, is an intelligence cock-up.
He spoke on our show for about 20 minutes. I listened, barely interrupting. In my inexperience, I had given him a political platform. Afterwards, I didn’t say another word on the radio and was given a police escort home. Though that’s not true as I was only escorted to where the Angel is now, since I became County Durham’s constabulary’s problem after that. I couldn’t sleep that night. The story was still spinning in my head.
Fast forward to yesterday 11 years ago, and I get a phone call around 9am whilst I am on the radio.
I’m summarising but I swear the words included: “I have some information about a friend of yours, Martin McGartland who has just been shot in Whitley Bay”. Well, we weren’t friends, clearly.
I knew it was a massive story and within an hour papers in Belfast were ringing me. Of course, it is an old trick for the media to be tipped off before the police, but when I think about this story, I always wonder why I got the call.
Was that random chance or was I linked to him in someone’s mind?
Even back then in an era of much less media, you would have to do pretty well to remember that I had stood in for eight shows on a night time phone-in two years previously.
I don’t recall the accent of the phone call breaking the shooting news, but I think it was local rather than Irish.
Clearly by this point his identity was widely known in Whitley Bay. You have to ask to this day, how on earth someone who had been re-invented and relocated for his own safety, was then shopped over a motoring offence?
Draw your own conclusions somewhere between stitch up, casual attention to detail, or human error. That, to me, remains as big a story as who shot him.
Google him, and you’ll see that he disowned the film of his life story but was doing publicity for it only 18 months ago. In the movie, he is now living in Canada.
I think I can safely say, as I reflect on that day, that Martin McGartland is therefore not living in Canada.
Link:- http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/entertainment-in-newcastle/tony-horne/2010/06/18/tony-horne-column-june-18-2010-72703-26680546/
"Draw your own conclusions somewhere between stitch up, casual attention to detail, or human error. That, to me, remains as big a story as who shot him." etc.
Here Here Tony. Tony Horne was more fortunate than I because I too remember that night vivdly and I had called the Alan Robson show when I was highlighting my case as he was given police escort on the night at a time when I was pleading with Northumbria Police for any sort of help, protection, after Northumbria Police had exposed my identity by reading mmy name, home address, out in open court and which were printed in national newspapers for all to see. Thank you to Tony Horne for taking time to write his piece on the subject and although his article is very accurate, there are a few areas that I am happy to clarify, first being I was not in any shape or form a "double agent", that would mean I would have been an IRA terrorist who for whatever reason had been turned, blackmailed or in some way won over by the security services. No, I was at no time before or during my infiltration of the IRA either a member of the organisation or even a sympathiser, I was recruited by the security services for the purpose of infiltrating the IRA and to forwarn security services about all the workings, planning of future bombings, shootings and other attacks which were being discussed or planned.
Secondly, I have never lived in Canada at any time, this was just something which originated as a result of the film, Fifty Dead Men Walking, of which I had absolutely nothing to do with, in fact I took legal action against film makers and I and my solicitors sought and won changes to the film and also we ensured that legal disclaimers appeared at the bginning and also at the ending of the film, which makes it known that I was not in any way connected or involved with the film and that it was not a true account of my life story nor of my book of the same name. I was also paid damages and also compensation by the film makers. I have been on record stating that the film is as Near To The Truth As Earth Is To Pluto. I also said that the film is 90% total fiction.
To this day, 11 years after my attempted murder, Northumbria Police cointinue with their cover-up in my 1999 case. Northumbria Police are also covering up IRA involvment in my case. Northumbria Police are failing to tell the truth when dealing with my case.
===========================================================================================================================
======================================================================================================================================================================================================================================================
Tony Horne column, June 18 2010
Jun 18 2010 Tony Horne
CHILLING. That’s the word I would use to describe my state of mind in the last 24 hours. Not chilling out, but chilling as in spine-chilling.
I heard yesterday morning that Northumbria Police have renewed their appeal for information into the Whitley Bay shooting of Martin McGartland in 1999.
God, I remember that day. It hasn’t been on my mind much since but it is dominating my thoughts today.
In the summer of 1997, I hosted Alan Robson’s Night Owls show for two weeks on Metro Radio. It was only the second time in my professional career that I had hosted a talk show.
It went well, but I was out of my depth. At about 11.20, or maybe 12.20, I took a call from Mr McGartland. I didn’t have a clue who he was.
As you may know by now, he was an IRA double agent who went on to tell his amazing story of saving lives in Fifty Dead Men Walking, including the story of his own escape from an IRA execution by jumping from a third-floor window.
His new identity as Martin Ash was blown by Northumbria Police who prosecuted him on driving offences, one of which was holding driving licences in different names. This, you have to say, is an intelligence cock-up.
He spoke on our show for about 20 minutes. I listened, barely interrupting. In my inexperience, I had given him a political platform. Afterwards, I didn’t say another word on the radio and was given a police escort home. Though that’s not true as I was only escorted to where the Angel is now, since I became County Durham’s constabulary’s problem after that. I couldn’t sleep that night. The story was still spinning in my head.
Fast forward to yesterday 11 years ago, and I get a phone call around 9am whilst I am on the radio.
I’m summarising but I swear the words included: “I have some information about a friend of yours, Martin McGartland who has just been shot in Whitley Bay”. Well, we weren’t friends, clearly.
I knew it was a massive story and within an hour papers in Belfast were ringing me. Of course, it is an old trick for the media to be tipped off before the police, but when I think about this story, I always wonder why I got the call.
Was that random chance or was I linked to him in someone’s mind?
Even back then in an era of much less media, you would have to do pretty well to remember that I had stood in for eight shows on a night time phone-in two years previously.
I don’t recall the accent of the phone call breaking the shooting news, but I think it was local rather than Irish.
Clearly by this point his identity was widely known in Whitley Bay. You have to ask to this day, how on earth someone who had been re-invented and relocated for his own safety, was then shopped over a motoring offence?
Draw your own conclusions somewhere between stitch up, casual attention to detail, or human error. That, to me, remains as big a story as who shot him.
Google him, and you’ll see that he disowned the film of his life story but was doing publicity for it only 18 months ago. In the movie, he is now living in Canada.
I think I can safely say, as I reflect on that day, that Martin McGartland is therefore not living in Canada.
Link:- http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/entertainment-in-newcastle/tony-horne/2010/06/18/tony-horne-column-june-18-2010-72703-26680546/
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Northumbria Police accused of having organised a cover-up in British Agent attempted murder case.
Northumbria Police accused of having organised a cover-up in British Agent attempted murder case.
Martin McGartland rubbished Northumbria Police claims that they have vowed to catch the gunman who tried to kill him exactly 11 years ago. He claims that Northumbria Police have orchestrated a cover-up. "I have been on record from day one stating that Northumbria Police wound never charge anyone with my shooting. It's now been 11 long years and I maintain that Northumbria Police are covering-up IRA involvment in my attempted murder. It is my view that Northumbria Police know who shot me and they know where to find them. However, Northumbria Police are turning a blind-eye. Northumbria Police will only arrest, charge those involved when they are forced into doing so.", said Martin McGartland.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Police vow over IRA informer gunman
Thursday, 17 June 2010
A masked member of the Real IRA. Police have vowed to catch the gunman who tried to kill an IRA informer 11 years ago.
A masked member of the Real IRA. Police have vowed to catch the gunman who tried to kill an IRA informer 11 years ago.
Police have vowed to catch the gunman who tried to kill an IRA informer exactly 11 years ago.
Martin McGartland was blasted several times at short range in his car in Whitley Bay, North Tyneside, but survived.
He was living in hiding having passed on information about the IRA to the British authorities which has been credited with saving many lives.
He wrote two books about his experiences, including escaping abduction in Belfast in 1991 after terrorists realised he was working with Special Branch.
He relocated to North East England under an assumed name until he was shot in broad daylight.
Northumbria Police have made a number of arrests in the years since 1999 but no-one has been charged. The force said the attempted murder investigation was continuing.
Detective Chief Superintendent Chris Thomson said: "Although this was an unsuccessful attack, it was a cold-blooded, calculated murder attempt which caused Mr McGartland serious injuries. Our main line of inquiry continues to be that Mr McGartland may have been shot by a person or people with Irish Republican sympathies, for reasons closely linked to his former life in Northern Ireland.
"Mr McGartland's history as an agent for the then Royal Ulster Constabulary and his supplying of information about the Provisional IRA is a matter of public knowledge, documented in his own books on the subject."
Police have analysed guns found months after the shooting, a van left at the scene and a voicemail message relating to the purchase of the vehicle. The caller had a Scottish accent and the call was made from the Glasgow area. They hope more information about the shooting will leak out, even so long after the shooting.
Mr Thomson said: "People's loyalties can change a lot in 11 years and people may now be prepared to help us. It's a long time for people to keep silent about this."
Link; http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/breaking-news/uk-ireland/police-vow-over-ira-informer-gunman-14847446.html
Martin McGartland rubbished Northumbria Police claims that they have vowed to catch the gunman who tried to kill him exactly 11 years ago. He claims that Northumbria Police have orchestrated a cover-up. "I have been on record from day one stating that Northumbria Police wound never charge anyone with my shooting. It's now been 11 long years and I maintain that Northumbria Police are covering-up IRA involvment in my attempted murder. It is my view that Northumbria Police know who shot me and they know where to find them. However, Northumbria Police are turning a blind-eye. Northumbria Police will only arrest, charge those involved when they are forced into doing so.", said Martin McGartland.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Police vow over IRA informer gunman
Thursday, 17 June 2010
A masked member of the Real IRA. Police have vowed to catch the gunman who tried to kill an IRA informer 11 years ago.
A masked member of the Real IRA. Police have vowed to catch the gunman who tried to kill an IRA informer 11 years ago.
Police have vowed to catch the gunman who tried to kill an IRA informer exactly 11 years ago.
Martin McGartland was blasted several times at short range in his car in Whitley Bay, North Tyneside, but survived.
He was living in hiding having passed on information about the IRA to the British authorities which has been credited with saving many lives.
He wrote two books about his experiences, including escaping abduction in Belfast in 1991 after terrorists realised he was working with Special Branch.
He relocated to North East England under an assumed name until he was shot in broad daylight.
Northumbria Police have made a number of arrests in the years since 1999 but no-one has been charged. The force said the attempted murder investigation was continuing.
Detective Chief Superintendent Chris Thomson said: "Although this was an unsuccessful attack, it was a cold-blooded, calculated murder attempt which caused Mr McGartland serious injuries. Our main line of inquiry continues to be that Mr McGartland may have been shot by a person or people with Irish Republican sympathies, for reasons closely linked to his former life in Northern Ireland.
"Mr McGartland's history as an agent for the then Royal Ulster Constabulary and his supplying of information about the Provisional IRA is a matter of public knowledge, documented in his own books on the subject."
Police have analysed guns found months after the shooting, a van left at the scene and a voicemail message relating to the purchase of the vehicle. The caller had a Scottish accent and the call was made from the Glasgow area. They hope more information about the shooting will leak out, even so long after the shooting.
Mr Thomson said: "People's loyalties can change a lot in 11 years and people may now be prepared to help us. It's a long time for people to keep silent about this."
Link; http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/breaking-news/uk-ireland/police-vow-over-ira-informer-gunman-14847446.html
Northumbria Police accused of having organised a cover-up in British Agent attempted murder case.
Northumbria Police accused of having organised a cover-up in British Agent attempted murder case.
Martin McGartland rubbished Northumbria Police claims that they have vowed to catch the gunman who tried to kill him exactly 11 years ago. He claims that Northumbria Police have orchestrated a cover-up. "I have been on record from day one stating that Northumbria Police wound never charge anyone with my shooting. It's now been 11 long years and I maintain that Northumbria Police are covering-up IRA involvment in my attempted murder. It is my view that Northumbria Police know who shot me and they know where to find them. However, Northumbria Police are turning a blind-eye. Northumbria Police will only arrest, charge those involved when they are forced into doing so.", said Martin McGartland.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Police vow over IRA informer gunman
Thursday, 17 June 2010
A masked member of the Real IRA. Police have vowed to catch the gunman who tried to kill an IRA informer 11 years ago.
A masked member of the Real IRA. Police have vowed to catch the gunman who tried to kill an IRA informer 11 years ago.
Police have vowed to catch the gunman who tried to kill an IRA informer exactly 11 years ago.
Martin McGartland was blasted several times at short range in his car in Whitley Bay, North Tyneside, but survived.
He was living in hiding having passed on information about the IRA to the British authorities which has been credited with saving many lives.
He wrote two books about his experiences, including escaping abduction in Belfast in 1991 after terrorists realised he was working with Special Branch.
He relocated to North East England under an assumed name until he was shot in broad daylight.
Northumbria Police have made a number of arrests in the years since 1999 but no-one has been charged. The force said the attempted murder investigation was continuing.
Detective Chief Superintendent Chris Thomson said: "Although this was an unsuccessful attack, it was a cold-blooded, calculated murder attempt which caused Mr McGartland serious injuries. Our main line of inquiry continues to be that Mr McGartland may have been shot by a person or people with Irish Republican sympathies, for reasons closely linked to his former life in Northern Ireland.
"Mr McGartland's history as an agent for the then Royal Ulster Constabulary and his supplying of information about the Provisional IRA is a matter of public knowledge, documented in his own books on the subject."
Police have analysed guns found months after the shooting, a van left at the scene and a voicemail message relating to the purchase of the vehicle. The caller had a Scottish accent and the call was made from the Glasgow area. They hope more information about the shooting will leak out, even so long after the shooting.
Mr Thomson said: "People's loyalties can change a lot in 11 years and people may now be prepared to help us. It's a long time for people to keep silent about this."
Link; http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/breaking-news/uk-ireland/police-vow-over-ira-informer-gunman-14847446.html
Martin McGartland rubbished Northumbria Police claims that they have vowed to catch the gunman who tried to kill him exactly 11 years ago. He claims that Northumbria Police have orchestrated a cover-up. "I have been on record from day one stating that Northumbria Police wound never charge anyone with my shooting. It's now been 11 long years and I maintain that Northumbria Police are covering-up IRA involvment in my attempted murder. It is my view that Northumbria Police know who shot me and they know where to find them. However, Northumbria Police are turning a blind-eye. Northumbria Police will only arrest, charge those involved when they are forced into doing so.", said Martin McGartland.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Police vow over IRA informer gunman
Thursday, 17 June 2010
A masked member of the Real IRA. Police have vowed to catch the gunman who tried to kill an IRA informer 11 years ago.
A masked member of the Real IRA. Police have vowed to catch the gunman who tried to kill an IRA informer 11 years ago.
Police have vowed to catch the gunman who tried to kill an IRA informer exactly 11 years ago.
Martin McGartland was blasted several times at short range in his car in Whitley Bay, North Tyneside, but survived.
He was living in hiding having passed on information about the IRA to the British authorities which has been credited with saving many lives.
He wrote two books about his experiences, including escaping abduction in Belfast in 1991 after terrorists realised he was working with Special Branch.
He relocated to North East England under an assumed name until he was shot in broad daylight.
Northumbria Police have made a number of arrests in the years since 1999 but no-one has been charged. The force said the attempted murder investigation was continuing.
Detective Chief Superintendent Chris Thomson said: "Although this was an unsuccessful attack, it was a cold-blooded, calculated murder attempt which caused Mr McGartland serious injuries. Our main line of inquiry continues to be that Mr McGartland may have been shot by a person or people with Irish Republican sympathies, for reasons closely linked to his former life in Northern Ireland.
"Mr McGartland's history as an agent for the then Royal Ulster Constabulary and his supplying of information about the Provisional IRA is a matter of public knowledge, documented in his own books on the subject."
Police have analysed guns found months after the shooting, a van left at the scene and a voicemail message relating to the purchase of the vehicle. The caller had a Scottish accent and the call was made from the Glasgow area. They hope more information about the shooting will leak out, even so long after the shooting.
Mr Thomson said: "People's loyalties can change a lot in 11 years and people may now be prepared to help us. It's a long time for people to keep silent about this."
Link; http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/breaking-news/uk-ireland/police-vow-over-ira-informer-gunman-14847446.html
Martin McGartland rubbished Northumbria Police claims
Martin McGartland rubbished Northumbria Police claims that they have vowed to catch the gunman who tried to kill him exactly 11 years ago. "I have been on record from day one stating that Northumbria Police wound never charge anyone with my shooting. It's now been 11 long years and I maintain that Northumbria Police are covering-up IRA involvment in my attempted murder. It is my view that Northumbria Police know who shot me and they know where to find them. However, Northumbria Police are turning a blind-eye. Northumbria Police will only arrest, charge those involved when they are forced into doing so.", said Martin McGartland.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Police vow over IRA informer gunman
Thursday, 17 June 2010
A masked member of the Real IRA. Police have vowed to catch the gunman who tried to kill an IRA informer 11 years ago.
A masked member of the Real IRA. Police have vowed to catch the gunman who tried to kill an IRA informer 11 years ago.
Police have vowed to catch the gunman who tried to kill an IRA informer exactly 11 years ago.
Martin McGartland was blasted several times at short range in his car in Whitley Bay, North Tyneside, but survived.
He was living in hiding having passed on information about the IRA to the British authorities which has been credited with saving many lives.
He wrote two books about his experiences, including escaping abduction in Belfast in 1991 after terrorists realised he was working with Special Branch.
He relocated to North East England under an assumed name until he was shot in broad daylight.
Northumbria Police have made a number of arrests in the years since 1999 but no-one has been charged. The force said the attempted murder investigation was continuing.
Detective Chief Superintendent Chris Thomson said: "Although this was an unsuccessful attack, it was a cold-blooded, calculated murder attempt which caused Mr McGartland serious injuries. Our main line of inquiry continues to be that Mr McGartland may have been shot by a person or people with Irish Republican sympathies, for reasons closely linked to his former life in Northern Ireland.
"Mr McGartland's history as an agent for the then Royal Ulster Constabulary and his supplying of information about the Provisional IRA is a matter of public knowledge, documented in his own books on the subject."
Police have analysed guns found months after the shooting, a van left at the scene and a voicemail message relating to the purchase of the vehicle. The caller had a Scottish accent and the call was made from the Glasgow area. They hope more information about the shooting will leak out, even so long after the shooting.
Mr Thomson said: "People's loyalties can change a lot in 11 years and people may now be prepared to help us. It's a long time for people to keep silent about this."
Link; http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/breaking-news/uk-ireland/police-vow-over-ira-informer-gunman-14847446.html
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Police vow over IRA informer gunman
Thursday, 17 June 2010
A masked member of the Real IRA. Police have vowed to catch the gunman who tried to kill an IRA informer 11 years ago.
A masked member of the Real IRA. Police have vowed to catch the gunman who tried to kill an IRA informer 11 years ago.
Police have vowed to catch the gunman who tried to kill an IRA informer exactly 11 years ago.
Martin McGartland was blasted several times at short range in his car in Whitley Bay, North Tyneside, but survived.
He was living in hiding having passed on information about the IRA to the British authorities which has been credited with saving many lives.
He wrote two books about his experiences, including escaping abduction in Belfast in 1991 after terrorists realised he was working with Special Branch.
He relocated to North East England under an assumed name until he was shot in broad daylight.
Northumbria Police have made a number of arrests in the years since 1999 but no-one has been charged. The force said the attempted murder investigation was continuing.
Detective Chief Superintendent Chris Thomson said: "Although this was an unsuccessful attack, it was a cold-blooded, calculated murder attempt which caused Mr McGartland serious injuries. Our main line of inquiry continues to be that Mr McGartland may have been shot by a person or people with Irish Republican sympathies, for reasons closely linked to his former life in Northern Ireland.
"Mr McGartland's history as an agent for the then Royal Ulster Constabulary and his supplying of information about the Provisional IRA is a matter of public knowledge, documented in his own books on the subject."
Police have analysed guns found months after the shooting, a van left at the scene and a voicemail message relating to the purchase of the vehicle. The caller had a Scottish accent and the call was made from the Glasgow area. They hope more information about the shooting will leak out, even so long after the shooting.
Mr Thomson said: "People's loyalties can change a lot in 11 years and people may now be prepared to help us. It's a long time for people to keep silent about this."
Link; http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/breaking-news/uk-ireland/police-vow-over-ira-informer-gunman-14847446.html
Northumbria Police Martin McGartland and No charges even after 11 years
Renewed appeal over shooting.
Dated: 17 Jun 2010
Northumbria Police
Police officers investigating the attempted murder of a man over a decade ago have renewed their appeal for information.
Martin McGartland was shot as he sat in his car in Duchess Street, Whitley Bay, 11 years ago today.
Despite being shot a number of times at close range, Mr McGartland survived the attack on June 17, 1999.
Although a number of arrests have been made, nobody has ever been charged with the attempted murder, and an extensive investigation is continuing.
Detective Chief Superintendent Chris Thomson, who is leading the investigation, said: "Although this was an unsuccessful attack, it was a cold-blooded, calculated murder attempt which caused Mr McGartland serious injuries.
"Our main line of enquiry continues to be that Mr McGartland may have been shot by a person or people with Irish Republican sympathies, for reasons closely linked to his former life in Northern Ireland.
"Mr McGartland's history as an agent for the then Royal Ulster Constabulary and his supplying of information about the Provisional IRA is a matter of public knowledge, documented in his own books on the subject."
Detectives are continuing to use DNA recovered from the scene to eliminate people from the investigation.
Other lines of enquiry centre around a van abandoned at the scene which had been bought only two days before the attack, and a message left on a telephone answering machine a few days earlier, asking about a van for sale. The caller had a Scottish accent, originating from somewhere in the Glasgow region.
Two semi-automatic pistols and some ammunition were found in the Gateshead area within months of the attack. One of the guns was forensically linked to the shooting and police believe those responsible may have stayed in the Gateshead area in the run up to the attack and possibly afterwards. This is another line of enquiry.
Det Chief Supt Thomson added: "Although nothing substantial came out of last year's appeal, which marked the 10th anniversary of the incident, we are determined to make sure that anyone who may have any information about this attack has the opportunity to come forward.
"Over time, word can leak out and be talked about. People's loyalties can change a lot in eleven years, and people may now be prepared to help us - it's a long time for people to keep silent about something like this.
"Anyone who may have information can contact Northumbria Police on 03456 043 043, ext 69191 or the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."
Police still have an audio tape message left on a telephone answering machine a few days before the shooting by a man who is believed to be one of those involved in the attack. The caller was asking about the sale of a van which was similar to that used to conceal the gunman immediately before the shooting.
To hear this tape again, log on to www.northumbria.police.uk/vanmessage
Link:- http://www.northumbria.police.uk/news_and_events/media_centre/news_releases/details.asp?id=28113
Dated: 17 Jun 2010
Northumbria Police
Police officers investigating the attempted murder of a man over a decade ago have renewed their appeal for information.
Martin McGartland was shot as he sat in his car in Duchess Street, Whitley Bay, 11 years ago today.
Despite being shot a number of times at close range, Mr McGartland survived the attack on June 17, 1999.
Although a number of arrests have been made, nobody has ever been charged with the attempted murder, and an extensive investigation is continuing.
Detective Chief Superintendent Chris Thomson, who is leading the investigation, said: "Although this was an unsuccessful attack, it was a cold-blooded, calculated murder attempt which caused Mr McGartland serious injuries.
"Our main line of enquiry continues to be that Mr McGartland may have been shot by a person or people with Irish Republican sympathies, for reasons closely linked to his former life in Northern Ireland.
"Mr McGartland's history as an agent for the then Royal Ulster Constabulary and his supplying of information about the Provisional IRA is a matter of public knowledge, documented in his own books on the subject."
Detectives are continuing to use DNA recovered from the scene to eliminate people from the investigation.
Other lines of enquiry centre around a van abandoned at the scene which had been bought only two days before the attack, and a message left on a telephone answering machine a few days earlier, asking about a van for sale. The caller had a Scottish accent, originating from somewhere in the Glasgow region.
Two semi-automatic pistols and some ammunition were found in the Gateshead area within months of the attack. One of the guns was forensically linked to the shooting and police believe those responsible may have stayed in the Gateshead area in the run up to the attack and possibly afterwards. This is another line of enquiry.
Det Chief Supt Thomson added: "Although nothing substantial came out of last year's appeal, which marked the 10th anniversary of the incident, we are determined to make sure that anyone who may have any information about this attack has the opportunity to come forward.
"Over time, word can leak out and be talked about. People's loyalties can change a lot in eleven years, and people may now be prepared to help us - it's a long time for people to keep silent about something like this.
"Anyone who may have information can contact Northumbria Police on 03456 043 043, ext 69191 or the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."
Police still have an audio tape message left on a telephone answering machine a few days before the shooting by a man who is believed to be one of those involved in the attack. The caller was asking about the sale of a van which was similar to that used to conceal the gunman immediately before the shooting.
To hear this tape again, log on to www.northumbria.police.uk/vanmessage
Link:- http://www.northumbria.police.uk/news_and_events/media_centre/news_releases/details.asp?id=28113
Northumbria Police and the 11 Year Cover-up. It's Groundhog Day - Northumbria Police are a Joke.
Northumbria Police and the 11 Year Cover-up. It's Groundhog Day - Northumbria Police are a Joke.
Northumbria Police, their so called top cop Det Chief Supt Chris Thomson, Groundhog Day finds himself repeating the same old story year after year. The Northumbria Police Cover-up of the Martin McGartland shooting, by the IRA in 1999, continues.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Refer to story, appeal link of 2009; http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/north...
Refer to story, appeal link of 2010; http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/north...
This is the 2010 story, police appeal;
Now here are both Northumbria Police, Det Chief Supt Chris Thomson, appeals. The first, word for word, and the latest 17th June 2010 one;
Fresh plea over IRA double agent shooting
Jun 17 2010 by Sophie Doughty, Evening Chronicle
Martin McGartland was shot six times at close range, but survived
POLICE today renewed their pledge to hunt the hitmen behind the attempted assassination of IRA double agent Martin McGartland.
It is 11 years to the day since the he was shot six times outside his Whitley Bay home on Duchess Street in 1999 in a crime that stunned Tyneside.
He survived, despite being shot at close range as he sat in his car.
article_mpuAdvertisement
Although a number of arrests have been made no-one has ever been charged with the attempted murder, which Mr McGartland insists was carried out by IRA hitmen.
But officers from Northumbria Police have never given up hunting the gunmen. And now detectives are making a new appeal for anyone who knows what happened to come forward.
Det Chief Supt Chris Thomson, who is leading the investigation, said: ?Although this was an unsuccessful attack, it was a cold-blooded, calculated murder attempt which caused Mr McGartland serious injuries.
?Our main line of inquiry continues to be that Mr McGartland may have been shot by a person or people with Irish Republican sympathies, for reasons closely linked to his former life in Northern Ireland.
?Mr McGartland?s history as an agent for the then Royal Ulster Constabulary and his supplying of information about the Provisional IRA is a matter of public knowledge, documented in his own books on the subject.?
Detectives recovered DNA from the scene and this is still being used to eliminate people from the inquiry.
Det Chief Supt Thomson hopes there are people out there who know what happened and feel able to contact police. ?Over time, word can leak out and be talked about. People?s loyalties can change a lot in 11 years.?
Other lines of inquiry centre around a van abandoned at the scene, which was bought just two days before the attack, and a message left on a telephone answering machine a few days earlier, asking about a van for sale. The caller is said to have had a Glasgow accent.
Two semi-automatic pistols and some ammunition were found in the Gateshead area within months of the attack.
One of the guns was forensically linked to the shooting and police believe those responsible may have stayed in the Gateshead area in before the attack and maybe afterwards.
Anyone with any information is asked to contact Northumbria Police on 03456 043 043, ext 69191 or the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
:: A recording of the message about the van a few days before the shooting can be heard at www.northumbria.police.uk/vanmessage
Link; http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/north...
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Now here is the 17th June 2009 appeal;
Cops renew plea over Tyneside 'IRA shooting'
Jun 17 2009 by Sophie Doughty, Evening Chronicle
Martin McGartland was shot six times at close range, but survived
HE WAS shot six times outside his Tyneside home 10 years ago today.
And now police are making a new appeal for help to catch the hitman responsible for the mystery shooting of IRA spy Martin McGartland.
The cold-blooded shooting, which stunned Tyneside, bought the troubles of Northern Ireland to the doorsteps of Whitley Bay a decade ago.
Mr McGartland was shot as he sat in his car in Duchess Street, Whitley Bay, on June 17, 1999. But miraculously he survived, despite being shot six times at close range.
No-one has ever been charged with the attempted murder, which double-agent Mr McGartland insists was carried-out by IRA hitmen.
But officers from Northumbria Police have never given up in their hunt for the gunmen.
And today, they are using the 10th anniversary of one of Tyneside?s most shocking unsolved crimes to appeal for information.
Detective Chief Superintendent Chris Thomson, who is leading the investigation, said: ?We are absolutely determined to do everything we can to solve this case.
?Although this was an unsuccessful attack, it was a cold-blooded, calculated assassination attempt.
?Mr McGartland has asked that Northumbria Police clarify the situation as far as we can and I am happy to do so.?
Five people have been arrested in connection with the shooting but no-one was ever charged.
Over the last 10 years police have taken a staggering 1,004 witness statements, conducted 1,122 house-to-house inquiries, collected 2,764 pieces of evidence, and assembled 5,043 documents.
Detectives are also continuing to use DNA recovered from the scene to eliminate people from the investigation. And as technology advances they are using new methods in an attempt to crack the case.
Two semi-automatic pistols and some ammunition were found in the Gateshead area within months of the attack. One of the guns was forensically linked to the shooting and police believe those responsible may have stayed in the Gateshead area in the run up to the attack and possibly afterwards.
Other lines of inquiry centre around a van abandoned at the scene, which had been bought only two days before the attack.
And police have released a recording of a telephone message left on an answering machine a few days earlier, asking about a van for sale. The caller had a Scottish accent, believed to be from the Glasgow area.
Click here to listen to the recording
Det Chief Supt Thomson hopes the time that has passed since the shooting will make it easier for anyone that knows anything to come forward.
?Ten years is a long time for people to keep a secret about something like this,? he said.
?Over time, word can leak out and be talked about.
?Also, people?s loyalties can change a lot in 10 years, and people may now be prepared to help us.
?We are keeping abreast of new forensic techniques and we do apply them when appropriate.?
It was originally suggested that Mr McGartland could have been shot by local criminals.
However, while detectives have still not confirmed a motive for the assassination attempt, they do not believe this to be the case.
?Mr McGartland?s history as an agent for the then Royal Ulster Constabulary and his supplying of information about the Provisional IRA is a matter of public knowledge, documented in his own books on the subject,? Det Chief Supt Thomson added.
?Our main line of inquiry, therefore, continues to be that Mr McGartland may have been shot by a person or people with Irish Republican sympathies, for reasons closely linked to his former life in Northern Ireland.?
Anyone who may have information can contact Northumbria Police on (03456) 043 043, ext 69162 or the independent charity Crimestoppers on (0800) 555 111.
Link: http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/north...
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Can You Tell what it is yet? This is a joke, Northumbria Police are a joke and their so called top cop, Det Chief Supt Thomson, is a joke. You can see why no others have been arrested and why no one has ever been charged, even after 11 years.
Ends
Northumbria Police, their so called top cop Det Chief Supt Chris Thomson, Groundhog Day finds himself repeating the same old story year after year. The Northumbria Police Cover-up of the Martin McGartland shooting, by the IRA in 1999, continues.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Refer to story, appeal link of 2009; http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/north...
Refer to story, appeal link of 2010; http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/north...
This is the 2010 story, police appeal;
Now here are both Northumbria Police, Det Chief Supt Chris Thomson, appeals. The first, word for word, and the latest 17th June 2010 one;
Fresh plea over IRA double agent shooting
Jun 17 2010 by Sophie Doughty, Evening Chronicle
Martin McGartland was shot six times at close range, but survived
POLICE today renewed their pledge to hunt the hitmen behind the attempted assassination of IRA double agent Martin McGartland.
It is 11 years to the day since the he was shot six times outside his Whitley Bay home on Duchess Street in 1999 in a crime that stunned Tyneside.
He survived, despite being shot at close range as he sat in his car.
article_mpuAdvertisement
Although a number of arrests have been made no-one has ever been charged with the attempted murder, which Mr McGartland insists was carried out by IRA hitmen.
But officers from Northumbria Police have never given up hunting the gunmen. And now detectives are making a new appeal for anyone who knows what happened to come forward.
Det Chief Supt Chris Thomson, who is leading the investigation, said: ?Although this was an unsuccessful attack, it was a cold-blooded, calculated murder attempt which caused Mr McGartland serious injuries.
?Our main line of inquiry continues to be that Mr McGartland may have been shot by a person or people with Irish Republican sympathies, for reasons closely linked to his former life in Northern Ireland.
?Mr McGartland?s history as an agent for the then Royal Ulster Constabulary and his supplying of information about the Provisional IRA is a matter of public knowledge, documented in his own books on the subject.?
Detectives recovered DNA from the scene and this is still being used to eliminate people from the inquiry.
Det Chief Supt Thomson hopes there are people out there who know what happened and feel able to contact police. ?Over time, word can leak out and be talked about. People?s loyalties can change a lot in 11 years.?
Other lines of inquiry centre around a van abandoned at the scene, which was bought just two days before the attack, and a message left on a telephone answering machine a few days earlier, asking about a van for sale. The caller is said to have had a Glasgow accent.
Two semi-automatic pistols and some ammunition were found in the Gateshead area within months of the attack.
One of the guns was forensically linked to the shooting and police believe those responsible may have stayed in the Gateshead area in before the attack and maybe afterwards.
Anyone with any information is asked to contact Northumbria Police on 03456 043 043, ext 69191 or the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
:: A recording of the message about the van a few days before the shooting can be heard at www.northumbria.police.uk/vanmessage
Link; http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/north...
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Now here is the 17th June 2009 appeal;
Cops renew plea over Tyneside 'IRA shooting'
Jun 17 2009 by Sophie Doughty, Evening Chronicle
Martin McGartland was shot six times at close range, but survived
HE WAS shot six times outside his Tyneside home 10 years ago today.
And now police are making a new appeal for help to catch the hitman responsible for the mystery shooting of IRA spy Martin McGartland.
The cold-blooded shooting, which stunned Tyneside, bought the troubles of Northern Ireland to the doorsteps of Whitley Bay a decade ago.
Mr McGartland was shot as he sat in his car in Duchess Street, Whitley Bay, on June 17, 1999. But miraculously he survived, despite being shot six times at close range.
No-one has ever been charged with the attempted murder, which double-agent Mr McGartland insists was carried-out by IRA hitmen.
But officers from Northumbria Police have never given up in their hunt for the gunmen.
And today, they are using the 10th anniversary of one of Tyneside?s most shocking unsolved crimes to appeal for information.
Detective Chief Superintendent Chris Thomson, who is leading the investigation, said: ?We are absolutely determined to do everything we can to solve this case.
?Although this was an unsuccessful attack, it was a cold-blooded, calculated assassination attempt.
?Mr McGartland has asked that Northumbria Police clarify the situation as far as we can and I am happy to do so.?
Five people have been arrested in connection with the shooting but no-one was ever charged.
Over the last 10 years police have taken a staggering 1,004 witness statements, conducted 1,122 house-to-house inquiries, collected 2,764 pieces of evidence, and assembled 5,043 documents.
Detectives are also continuing to use DNA recovered from the scene to eliminate people from the investigation. And as technology advances they are using new methods in an attempt to crack the case.
Two semi-automatic pistols and some ammunition were found in the Gateshead area within months of the attack. One of the guns was forensically linked to the shooting and police believe those responsible may have stayed in the Gateshead area in the run up to the attack and possibly afterwards.
Other lines of inquiry centre around a van abandoned at the scene, which had been bought only two days before the attack.
And police have released a recording of a telephone message left on an answering machine a few days earlier, asking about a van for sale. The caller had a Scottish accent, believed to be from the Glasgow area.
Click here to listen to the recording
Det Chief Supt Thomson hopes the time that has passed since the shooting will make it easier for anyone that knows anything to come forward.
?Ten years is a long time for people to keep a secret about something like this,? he said.
?Over time, word can leak out and be talked about.
?Also, people?s loyalties can change a lot in 10 years, and people may now be prepared to help us.
?We are keeping abreast of new forensic techniques and we do apply them when appropriate.?
It was originally suggested that Mr McGartland could have been shot by local criminals.
However, while detectives have still not confirmed a motive for the assassination attempt, they do not believe this to be the case.
?Mr McGartland?s history as an agent for the then Royal Ulster Constabulary and his supplying of information about the Provisional IRA is a matter of public knowledge, documented in his own books on the subject,? Det Chief Supt Thomson added.
?Our main line of inquiry, therefore, continues to be that Mr McGartland may have been shot by a person or people with Irish Republican sympathies, for reasons closely linked to his former life in Northern Ireland.?
Anyone who may have information can contact Northumbria Police on (03456) 043 043, ext 69162 or the independent charity Crimestoppers on (0800) 555 111.
Link: http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/north...
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Can You Tell what it is yet? This is a joke, Northumbria Police are a joke and their so called top cop, Det Chief Supt Thomson, is a joke. You can see why no others have been arrested and why no one has ever been charged, even after 11 years.
Ends
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Martin McGartland;- In 1999 the IRA tracked him down to a town in Whitley Bay and shot him six times, but failed to kill him.
Up and coming young actor Jim Sturgess — who stars in the new informer movie 50 Dead Men Walking — has spoken about the “human side” of the IRA and how some of its members were “the nicest people” he’d ever met.
The Surrey-born actor, who plays double agent Martin McGartland in the movie, told how he was introduced to former members of the IRA, who acted as “chaperones” while filming took place in Belfast.
And he claimed they were “passionate people”, who weren’t just caught up in the IRA “for violence’s sake”.
Sturgess was speaking to Empire movie magazine ahead of the general release of 50 Dead Men Walking in April. The movie will also close the ninth Jameson Belfast Film Festival.
His comments about the movie are likely to cause controversy. Hollywood actress Rose McGowan, who stars alongside Sturgess, came under fire last year when she said she would have joined the IRA, had she grown up in Belfast.
Sturgess said he didn’t know what to expect when he first came to Belfast to shoot 50 Dead men Walking.
“It was confusing for me, because I met what I believed were these thuggish terrorists from Belfast that blew places up in England — the IRA was presented to me like that — so when I met these people, and saw the human side, they were some of the nicest people I’d ever met.
“So instantly you start trying to understand what it all meant for them, that they weren’t just doing it for violence’s sake. Some of them were genuinely nice, passionate people.
“And it was a thrilling undercover ride, really. We would go into these pubs that we would never normally be allowed to hang out in, but because of who we were with we were vouched for. I would definitely not do that as an average citizen visiting Belfast. So it was exciting, becoming part of the city — or at least pretending to. Soaking it all in.”
Sturgess, who also stars in Heartless, 21 and The Other Boleyn Girl and has been hailed as “the new James McAvoy” said he wasn’t aware of the dangers facing him until filming had ended.
“We were given kind of chaperones, these people who looked after us, who were ex-members of the IRA and we basically stayed with them for two weeks before we started,” he said.
“It was kept under wraps because, in the areas we were in, he (Martin McGartland) is not a popular man. But even so, afterwards I learned there were times when I was probably in more danger than I realised. I was blissfully unaware, but I think the producers were having mini heart attacks.”
50 Dead Men Walking is based on the autobiographical book of the same name by Martin McGartland, who was recruited by the British police to infiltrate the IRA.
He was unmasked by the IRA in 1991 and narrowly escaped death when he leapt from a third floor window in a block of flats.
In 1999 the IRA tracked him down to a town in Whitley Bay and shot him six times, but failed to kill him. McGartland remains in hiding.
http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/entertainment/film-tv/news/ira-were-some-of-the-nicest-people-that-i-ever-met-says-actor-14207086.html
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
***** NORTHUMBRIA POLICE, Mi5, EVEN TO THIS DAY, CONTINUE TO COVER UP IRA INVOLVMENT IN MARTIN MCGARTLAD'S 1999 ATTEMPTED MURDER.
The Surrey-born actor, who plays double agent Martin McGartland in the movie, told how he was introduced to former members of the IRA, who acted as “chaperones” while filming took place in Belfast.
And he claimed they were “passionate people”, who weren’t just caught up in the IRA “for violence’s sake”.
Sturgess was speaking to Empire movie magazine ahead of the general release of 50 Dead Men Walking in April. The movie will also close the ninth Jameson Belfast Film Festival.
His comments about the movie are likely to cause controversy. Hollywood actress Rose McGowan, who stars alongside Sturgess, came under fire last year when she said she would have joined the IRA, had she grown up in Belfast.
Sturgess said he didn’t know what to expect when he first came to Belfast to shoot 50 Dead men Walking.
“It was confusing for me, because I met what I believed were these thuggish terrorists from Belfast that blew places up in England — the IRA was presented to me like that — so when I met these people, and saw the human side, they were some of the nicest people I’d ever met.
“So instantly you start trying to understand what it all meant for them, that they weren’t just doing it for violence’s sake. Some of them were genuinely nice, passionate people.
“And it was a thrilling undercover ride, really. We would go into these pubs that we would never normally be allowed to hang out in, but because of who we were with we were vouched for. I would definitely not do that as an average citizen visiting Belfast. So it was exciting, becoming part of the city — or at least pretending to. Soaking it all in.”
Sturgess, who also stars in Heartless, 21 and The Other Boleyn Girl and has been hailed as “the new James McAvoy” said he wasn’t aware of the dangers facing him until filming had ended.
“We were given kind of chaperones, these people who looked after us, who were ex-members of the IRA and we basically stayed with them for two weeks before we started,” he said.
“It was kept under wraps because, in the areas we were in, he (Martin McGartland) is not a popular man. But even so, afterwards I learned there were times when I was probably in more danger than I realised. I was blissfully unaware, but I think the producers were having mini heart attacks.”
50 Dead Men Walking is based on the autobiographical book of the same name by Martin McGartland, who was recruited by the British police to infiltrate the IRA.
He was unmasked by the IRA in 1991 and narrowly escaped death when he leapt from a third floor window in a block of flats.
In 1999 the IRA tracked him down to a town in Whitley Bay and shot him six times, but failed to kill him. McGartland remains in hiding.
http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/entertainment/film-tv/news/ira-were-some-of-the-nicest-people-that-i-ever-met-says-actor-14207086.html
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
***** NORTHUMBRIA POLICE, Mi5, EVEN TO THIS DAY, CONTINUE TO COVER UP IRA INVOLVMENT IN MARTIN MCGARTLAD'S 1999 ATTEMPTED MURDER.
Friday, January 1, 2010
Chief Superintendent Chris Thomson; have knowingly put forward false information, misleading and even damaging information about me to both the press
Northumbria Police Institutional Denial and Cover-Up
Institutional denial - Northumbria Police must now tell the truth
I maintain that Chief Superintendent Chris Thomson (the SIO heading my 1999 attemped murder case) and also the Chief Constable of Northumbria Police have knowingly put forward false information, misleading and even damaging information about me to both the press and also me as the victim in this case.
I also maintain that Chief Superintendent Chris Thomson and also the Northumbria Police Chief Constable have, since my 1999 attempted murder, been party to a covered-up. The cover-up of IRA involvment in my case and also hiding the truth. It can not be right that police officers and or a police force, Northumbria Police, can be involved in a cover-up of an attempted murder which was carried out by IRA terrorist. Northumbria Police, its Special Branch and Mi5 continue to hide the truth from me as the victim in this case. I maintain that Chief Superintendent Chris Thomson, Northumbria Police Chief Constable are being influenced by political pressure.
Northumbria Police have damning evidence that lays bare the role of IRA involvment in my 1999 attempted murder. However, Northumbria Police have, since June 1999, turned a blind-eye to my attempted murder by the IRA.
Northumbria Police continue to cover-up both the events, background of the 1999 IRA attack on me and also IRA involvment in my shooting. I have a right to know the truth and I also have the right to get justice in my case. I will not rest until Northumbria Police tell the truth.
My hope is that Northumbria Police will stop their cover-up, their hiding the truth of that terrible deed that was committed by the IRA on the 17th June 1999 against me.
It is very clear that there is a hierarchy of victims in Northern Ireland, justice appears to be one eyed. Northumbria police, in my view, have failed me and they continue to do so. Northumbria Police have let me, as the victim in this case, down.
Northumbria Police's investigation into my attempted murder has been flawed from day one. As the victim I have been virtually ignored by Northumbria Police. I maintain Northumbria Police have acted unlawfully when dealing with my case(s) and that they continue to act unlawfully and have breached my Human Rights.
I will be reserving all my legal rights and I am reserving the right to take legal action against both the Chief Constable of Northumbria Police and also Chief Superintendent Chris Thomson. I hold them directly responsible for the leading role they have played in what I regard a systematic cover-up by Northumbria Police.
My disgust and mistrust of Northumbria Police Chief Constable and also Chief Superintendent Chris Thomson is such that I have no confidence whatsoever in them. I have already informed them of this many times.
There must now be an independent review into my 1999 attempted murder case. The case should also be taken over by another independent third party. The events before, during and after my shooting must now be investagated properly, openly and more importantly transparently. The role of the CPS must also be looked at
Institutional denial - Northumbria Police must now tell the truth
I maintain that Chief Superintendent Chris Thomson (the SIO heading my 1999 attemped murder case) and also the Chief Constable of Northumbria Police have knowingly put forward false information, misleading and even damaging information about me to both the press and also me as the victim in this case.
I also maintain that Chief Superintendent Chris Thomson and also the Northumbria Police Chief Constable have, since my 1999 attempted murder, been party to a covered-up. The cover-up of IRA involvment in my case and also hiding the truth. It can not be right that police officers and or a police force, Northumbria Police, can be involved in a cover-up of an attempted murder which was carried out by IRA terrorist. Northumbria Police, its Special Branch and Mi5 continue to hide the truth from me as the victim in this case. I maintain that Chief Superintendent Chris Thomson, Northumbria Police Chief Constable are being influenced by political pressure.
Northumbria Police have damning evidence that lays bare the role of IRA involvment in my 1999 attempted murder. However, Northumbria Police have, since June 1999, turned a blind-eye to my attempted murder by the IRA.
Northumbria Police continue to cover-up both the events, background of the 1999 IRA attack on me and also IRA involvment in my shooting. I have a right to know the truth and I also have the right to get justice in my case. I will not rest until Northumbria Police tell the truth.
My hope is that Northumbria Police will stop their cover-up, their hiding the truth of that terrible deed that was committed by the IRA on the 17th June 1999 against me.
It is very clear that there is a hierarchy of victims in Northern Ireland, justice appears to be one eyed. Northumbria police, in my view, have failed me and they continue to do so. Northumbria Police have let me, as the victim in this case, down.
Northumbria Police's investigation into my attempted murder has been flawed from day one. As the victim I have been virtually ignored by Northumbria Police. I maintain Northumbria Police have acted unlawfully when dealing with my case(s) and that they continue to act unlawfully and have breached my Human Rights.
I will be reserving all my legal rights and I am reserving the right to take legal action against both the Chief Constable of Northumbria Police and also Chief Superintendent Chris Thomson. I hold them directly responsible for the leading role they have played in what I regard a systematic cover-up by Northumbria Police.
My disgust and mistrust of Northumbria Police Chief Constable and also Chief Superintendent Chris Thomson is such that I have no confidence whatsoever in them. I have already informed them of this many times.
There must now be an independent review into my 1999 attempted murder case. The case should also be taken over by another independent third party. The events before, during and after my shooting must now be investagated properly, openly and more importantly transparently. The role of the CPS must also be looked at
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)