Northern Ireland

Family of murdered taxi man call for independent investigation

Frank Hughes was shot dead by the UVF in October 1990
Frank Hughes was shot dead by the UVF in October 1990 Frank Hughes was shot dead by the UVF in October 1990

The family of a Co Tyrone man shot dead by loyalists 30 years ago today has called for an independent investigation to be carried out.

Taxi driver Frank Hughes was killed by a UVF murder squad after lifting a bogus female fare outside a hotel near Dungannon on October 23 1990.

The remains of the 61-year-old, who lived in Dungannon, were later found in his burned out car near the Moy.

The Hughes family believe there was collusion between the police and the killer gang.

They also say that during an inquest into his death in 1991 it emerged that the PSNI had failed to publish a photofit of a female suspect in case it endangered her life.

Just this week the PSNI again refused to issue the photofit.

According to the family a witness, Barney McDonald, later provided the photofit description of the female suspect and claimed he saw a police car in the hotel car park the night Mr Hughes was killed.

He was shot dead in 2002 by unknown gunmen in Donaghmore, Co Tyrone.

It has now emerged that a daughter in law of Mr Hughes received an anonymous letter several years ago from someone claiming to be the wife of an RUC man.

Eileen Hughes was married to Eamon Hughes, who was believed to be the target on the night his father was killed.

A republican, Eamon Hughes was stabbed to death in Dungannon in 2008.

In the letter to his widow the author said she was writing to clear her conscience.

Among the claims made was that the killing was discussed during a dinner party hosted by a named loyalist at his home near Portadown.

Those attending included former UVF commander Billy Wright, the notorious Fulton brothers from Portadown, the author, her husband and RUC colleagues.

She described the gathering as a “celebration dinner” for the death of Mr Hughes.

The writer also claimed that police officers “toasted” the death of Eamon Hughes at a similar gathering years later.

Three woman with loyalist connections are believed by the Hughes family to be linked to the murder.

The murdered taxi man's grandson Kevin Hughes last night said an independent investigation is now required.

“We need someone independent, the police can't investigate themselves,” he said.

“We know we are not going to get justice but truth means a lot to families.

“Thirty years on it's as raw as ever."

The family's solicitor Peter Corrigan, of Phoenix Law, said "the reasons given by the police for not releasing the photofit do not stand up to legal scrutiny and it should have been released at the time."

And he added: “The family would be calling for the person who wrote the letter to come forward now and contact them or Phoenix Law.”

A PSNI spokeswoman said the murder of Mr Hughes is in the caseload of Legacy Investigation Branch and “we will review and reconsider all evidence when this case is reviewed”.

The said the “understand the suffering of the family” as they wait for their case to be reviewed.

Former UVF commander Billy Wright
Former UVF commander Billy Wright Former UVF commander Billy Wright