A SON of the late INLA leader Dominic McGlinchey has denied “in the most strenuous terms possible” that he was the driver of the getaway car used in the dissident republican killings of two British soldiers in Antrim almost three years ago.
Dominic McGlinchey jnr also complained that being named in court during the murder trial of Colin Duffy and Brian Shivers – who are both charged with murdering the soldiers Patrick Azimkar and Mark Quinsey – has made him fear for his safety and that of his family.
Mr McGlinchey, in a statement issued through his solicitor Michael Finucane, referred to how on Tuesday, during the course of closing arguments in the case, it was stated by Mr Duffy’s counsel, Barry MacDonald QC, that the PSNI had “reliable information to indicate that a son of Dominic McGlinchey snr was the driver of the vehicle which was . . . used in the fatal shooting of two soldiers in Antrim on March 7th, 2009”.
“These comments have been widely reported in the national press and media. However, further, additional comments were not reported, which made it clear that the belief disclosed by the PSNI to defence counsel is not supported by any forensic evidence.
“I wish to make it clear that I deny these allegations in the most strenuous terms possible. It is grossly unfair to me and to my family that I should have to deny unsubstantiated allegations made during a case to which I am not a party,” Mr McGlinchey added.
The non-jury trial of Mr Duffy and Mr Shivers concluded on Wednesday at Antrim Crown Court and the judge Mr Justice Hart is due to issue his verdict in the new year.
In his statement Mr McGlinchey, whose father was murdered in Drogheda, Co Louth, in 1994, said he went to Antrim PSNI station on his own accord in March 2009.
“I submitted to arrest and detention and was interviewed for 13 days. I made a statement to the PSNI during interview addressing any and all evidence put to me during my detention,” he added.
“I was released unconditionally from PSNI custody and no efforts have been made to rearrest me, nor have I been asked to return for further questioning.
“No charges are pending against me in relation to the murder of the two British soldiers in March 2009 nor has any effort been made by the authorities in Northern Ireland to compel my attendance for the purpose of charge or prosecution,” said Mr McGlinchey.
He said his private life had been invaded in a manner that left him vulnerable.
“I fear for my safety and that of my family as well as the possibility that I might face charges and a trial that would undoubtedly be skewed as a result of adverse publicity.”
Mr McGlinchey, in the statement issued through his solicitors, said he fully intended to complain formally to both the Director of Public Prosecutions and to the Police Ombudsman in the North.
