Northern Ireland

Jamie Bryson complaint against Police Ombudsman thrown out

A complaint against Police Ombudsman Dr Michael Maguire has been thrown out
A complaint against Police Ombudsman Dr Michael Maguire has been thrown out A complaint against Police Ombudsman Dr Michael Maguire has been thrown out

A complaint by loyalist blogger Jamie Bryson against the Police Ombudsman has been thrown out.

Mr Bryson made the complaint to the Department of Justice after Dr Michael Maguire took part in a documentary about the 1994 Loughinisland massacre.

Six Catholic men were shot dead when a UVF murder squad burst into the Height’s Bar in Loughinisland, Co Down and opened fire as customers watched the Republic of Ireland play in the World Cup.

No Stone Unturned, which was made by award-winning film maker Alex Gibney, revealed the identities of the suspected killers and focused on collusion between them and the RUC.

Mr Maguire was featured in the documentary, which has been widely acclaimed.

Loyalist Jamie Bryson
Loyalist Jamie Bryson Loyalist Jamie Bryson

It has been reported that Mr Bryson’s claimed that by using his official car in a "private commercial documentary" Dr Maguire had breached his own code of ethics.

Allegations also focused on claims that he had brought discredit to his office.

A spokeswoman for the Police Ombudsman confirmed the complaint has now been dismissed

“The Department of Justice received a complaint about the Police Ombudsman Dr Michael Maguire following coverage of the Office's Loughinisland investigation as part of a recent documentary.

“The complaint included allegations about his use of public funds, an alleged appearance of bias, his contact with the media and an allegation that he had brought discredit on his Office.

“The Department found no evidence to substantiate any of the allegations.”