The Police Ombudsman has said the investigation into cases linked to the notorious Glenanne Gang may be finished by next year’s British government cut-off date.
The update comes just weeks after the police watchdog said up to 400 cases currently on its books will not be reported on due to the controversial Legacy Act.
The Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act passed into law in September and provides immunity in some circumstances along with ending civil cases and inquests that have not reached their findings stage by next May.
The new law, opposed by victims’ groups, will also bring an end to all investigations undertaken by the Police Ombudsman’s Historical Investigations Directorate.
Despite the recent setback, it has now emerged that some investigation may be completed, including those into suspected victims of the sectarian murder squad known as the Glenanne Gang.
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The loyalist gang, which included members of the RUC, UDR and UVF, is thought to have been responsible for up to 120 murders across Mid Ulster in the 1970s.
The Operation Kenova investigation team is also currently carrying out a review of the activities of the Glenanne Gang, under the heading Operation Denton.
Earlier this month, solicitor Kevin Winters, of KRW Law, wrote to the Police Ombudsman seeking an update on the Glenanne Gang linked murders of John Francis Green, near Castleblaney, Co Monaghan, in January 1975, Patrick Mone in Castleblaney in March 1976 and Hugh Watters in Dundalk, Co Louth, in December 1975.
In response, a Policing Board official said it is anticipated that a public statement may be completed around April next year – just weeks before the May deadline.
The official also warned that date may change.
Mr Winters said the news from the Police Ombudsman is welcome.
“We understand there may be other cases linked to the Glenanne series which are also complete,” he said.
“The reply from PONI is a positive antidote to the otherwise recent unremitting negativity surrounding Troubles legacy issues.
“However, we have a real concern about the lack of clarity on what gardai intelligence information has been sent to PONI.”
It is understood that up to 70 individual complaints are expected to be completed and reported on by the ombudsman, the majority of which are linked to thematic investigations.
A spokesman for the Police Ombudsman said: “We are currently in the progress of providing updates to families whose complaints we anticipate being able to bring to closure before our remit for historical investigations ends on May 1 2024.”