Northern Ireland

PPS to face legal action over Stakeknife decision

Frank Mulhern is to take legal action after the Public Prosecution Service decided not to take legal action against Stakeknife
Frank Mulhern is to take legal action after the Public Prosecution Service decided not to take legal action against Stakeknife Frank Mulhern is to take legal action after the Public Prosecution Service decided not to take legal action against Stakeknife

A MAN who believes British agent Stakeknife was involved in the death of his son is to take legal action after authorities decided not to prosecute him and two former MI5 officers.

Campaigners and relatives have voiced disappointment after the Public Prosecution Service (PPS) said that no criminal action will be taken against the high-profile agent for perjury.

Director of Public Prosecutions Stephen Herron has also confirmed that two former MI5 officers and an former deputy director of the PPS, Pamela Atchison, will also not be prosecuted for misconduct in public office.

Ms Atchison has previously said she acted appropriately at all times.

Last night the father of a west Belfast man killed by the IRA claimed prosecutors did not reach the right decision.

Frank Mulhern's son Joseph Mulhern (23) was shot dead in 1993 after being accused of working as an RUC informer.

It has been reported that Stakeknife is west Belfast republican Freddie Scappaticci, a claim he denies.

Mr Mulhern has said Scappaticci later provided him with details of his son's death.

Stakeknife is believed to have been the British army’s highest ranking agent within the IRA during the Troubles and is suspected of being involved in multiple killings in his role as a senior figure in the organisation's internal security unit.

His activities are currently being investigated by Operation Kenova, which is headed by former English police chief Jon Boutcher.

The agent had been accused of lying under oath in affidavits between 2003 and 2006 following files sent by the Operation Kenova team.

Earlier this week Mr Herron said the evidential test for prosecution was not met.

Mr Mulhern believes Stakeknife was involved in numerous killings.

“The decision is wrong,” he said.

“Stakeknife was involved in many, many murders and it's also alleged he went to meet Margaret Thatcher in Downing Street and she thanked him.

“That takes this issue to the top of the British government.”

Mr Mulhern said he intends to continue his fight for the truth.

Mr Mulhern's solicitor Kevin Winters, of KRW Law last night said: “This is the second JR (judicial review) by Mr Mulhern,

“His first application was pulled after agreement that Operation Kenova would investigate these issues.

“That investigation has taken place sand the PPS has made its decision.

“Mr Mulhern will now go back to court for a second challenge of this issue.”