RUC ‘failed’ to pursue suspects in murder

A police investigation into the murder of a Catholic taxi driver in Belfast “failed to effectively pursue relevant suspects,” concluded a report by the defender of the police people Marie Anderson.

John O’Hara, 41, was shot dead by the Ulster Defense Association (UDA) in Dunluce Avenue in 1991.

Mrs. Anderson reviewed the original research of the Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC) after a complaint from her family.

He discovered several problems, including forensic failures, which resulted in an “inadequate” investigation.

Mr. O’Hara, a father of five children, had no connection with any political party or paramilitary group.

Several shots were shot at Mr. O’Hara’s car from a alley when he arrived to collect a rate.

There is nothing to suggest that RUC had information that would have allowed them to take measures to avoid their murder.

Mrs. Anderson said that within two weeks of the shooting intelligence was received that indicated the participation of eight people.

However, only three of them were arrested and there is no evidence to verify the ravines they provide.

One of the suspicious gunmen was not collected, despite being connected to the attack by evidence of witnesses and four separate intelligence pieces.

“Although the initial police response was integral and a good standard, the Sub -Talí murder investigation was not able to take those responsible to justice,” Mrs. Anderson said.

A car that closely coincided the description of the exhaust vehicle was not seized for examination.

There was also a forensic failure in the relationship with a Balaclava discovered a mile of the murder scene.

Twelve hairs were found, but compared to those suspect tasks in another case.

You can no longer find two weapons used in the attack, which recovered in 1992 and 1995.

There are no elimination orders for weapons.

Mrs. Anderson said the police should have maintained “for probative purposes with respect to unsolved murders, including Mr. O’Hara.”