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.
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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/
Friday, June 18, 2010
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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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...
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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.
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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
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***** 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.
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