Three family members of individuals who died in IRA bombings have sent a letter to the Metropolitan Police, urging an investigation into new evidence brought to light during a recent court case involving Gerry Adams. The relatives, Ihsen Bashir, Sarah Butt, and Susan Dodd, were left devastated when the case against Adams was dropped during the trial following a controversial legal ruling.
In their communication to commissioner Sir Mark Rowley, the family members emphasized the importance of not forgetting their loved ones and called for a thorough inquiry into Adams’ connections with the IRA. Susan Dodd, whose father was a senior Metropolitan police officer killed in the 1983 Harrods bombing, is among the signatories of the letter.
The letter, titled “Request for review of evidence aired in the civil proceedings against Gerry Adams in the High Court in London,” requests that the police thoroughly examine the information presented during the recent court case and determine if it warrants a criminal investigation based on existing intelligence and evidence.
The family members stress the significance of the evidence that emerged during the civil proceedings and express their belief that a proper review by the authorities is necessary. They highlight the efforts of other victims in bringing forth the legal action and emphasize the need for a comprehensive examination by the police.
The letter, which was dispatched last week, has already been acknowledged by the commissioner, who has promised a prompt response. It points out key revelations from the court proceedings and urges a careful assessment of the evidence in conjunction with historical records to make an informed decision on potential criminal implications.
The family members underscore the importance of not leaving unresolved questions lingering for years and call for a proactive approach in dealing with the serious issues raised during the court case. They reiterate their formal request for a thorough review by senior investigating officers and counter-terrorism specialists to address the concerns raised by the new evidence.
The recent legal case against Adams was terminated, with no costs awarded, after the claimants alleged his personal liability in IRA attacks in London and Manchester. Adams has consistently denied any involvement in the incidents and refuted claims of being a significant figure within the IRA. The decision to discontinue the legal proceedings was attributed to concerns regarding an abuse of process, as stated by Anne Studd KC, representing the victims in court.
