A CORONER has seen “sensitive” files linked to the death in custody of former IRA prisoner John Brady.
Coroner Brian Sherrard confirmed yesterday he was given access to the documents earlier this week.
Mr Brady (40) took his own life while being held at Strand Road PSNI station in Derry in 2009.
It has been claimed he was approached by members of the PSNI’s C3 unit, formerly known as ‘Special Branch’, three times before his death.
There is also speculation Mr Brady may have been put under pressure to become an informer before he hanged himself in the PSNI station.
The Police Ombudsman, who investigated the case, has said there is no evidence to support the claims but confirmed that two intelligence officers did attempt to gain access to Mr Brady but were turned away by custody staff.
During a preliminary hearing in Belfast yesterday Mr Sherrard said he was shown “sensitive” files linked to the case during a meeting with the PSNI’s legal team.
The coroner said he personally reviewed the documents as his legal counsel and solicitor do not have "sufficient clearance”.
“In the absence of that I looked at the documents myself,” he said.
The coroner was told that CCTV footage from the custody suite at Strand Road and statements from C3 officers, provided to the Police Ombudsman, have not been made available to the Brady family’s solicitor Aiden Carlin
Tony McGleenan QC, representing the PSNI, said a DVD recording had been handed over to the Coroners Service but the officer's statements required further analysis to ensure there were no breaches of State secrets.
Mr Sherrard has requested to see all information relating to Mr Brady’s arrest, and the reason for it, including notebooks from officers involved in his detention and transcripts from any interview sessions.
He also wants to see notes taken by a custody sergeant at Strand Road.
"The community has an interest in the arrest and what brought Mr Brady into custody," he said.
"It may well be that there is nothing here and that the various reasons for suspicion and concerns fall away but I am of the view that they may be potentially relevant."
To date the inquest into Mr Brady’s inquest has been hit by delays.
During the hearing yesterday the coroner said it was a “matter of regret for me that we have not moved this on further then we have” adding that if “we keep this under close scrutiny I would be hopeful to make progress”.
Mr Sherrard also confirmed that he was prepared to hear the inquest in Derry or Strabane without a jury depending on availability in the courts.
Speaking after the hearing the Brady family solicitor Aiden Carlin voiced concerns at continued delays.
“I am concerned about the delay but are greatly encouraged by the fact the inquest is going to be listed in Derry as soon as practicable,” he said.
