Stakeknife: Beds Police chief to lead probe into Army IRA agent

Beds Police chief constable Jon Boutcher is to lead an investigation into the alleged activities of an Army agenct within the IRA, it has been announced.
Jon Boutcher, Beds Police. PNL-140405-121429001Jon Boutcher, Beds Police. PNL-140405-121429001
Jon Boutcher, Beds Police. PNL-140405-121429001

The agent, known as Stakeknife, has been linked to dozens of murders.

Police Service of Northern Ireland has said that the investigation will focus on;

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- whether there is evidence of the commission of criminal offences by the alleged agent known as Stakeknife, including but not limited to, murders, attempted murders and unlawful imprisonments.

- whether there is evidence of criminal offences having been committed by members of the British Army, the Security Services or other Government agencies, in respect of the cases connected to the alleged agent known as Stakeknife.

- whether there is evidence of criminal offences having been committed by any other individual, in respect of the cases connected to the alleged agent

- whether there is evidence of the commission of criminal offences by any persons in respect of allegations of perjury connected to the alleged agent

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Jon Boutcher has said that he is ‘humbled’ to be leading the probe.

He added: “I do not underestimate the huge task of establishing the circumstances behind how and why these murders occurred during those dark days.

“My principle aim in taking responsibility for this investigation is to bring those responsible for these awful crimes, in whatever capacity they were involved, to justice.

“The recruitment process for the investigation team will begin immediately, this will require time and I ask for a degree of patience as I do this.

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“As soon as officers and staff are in place the investigation team will begin reaching out to victims, victims’ families and all interested parties to receive information.

“I am committed to doing all I can to find the truth for the victims and their families. It is they who we should be thinking of throughout.”