In a significant development, two men have been arrested in Meath and Donegal in connection with a decades-old crime—the murder of a Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC) officer and the attempted murder of a colleague. The events date back almost 50 years to a fateful day in Dungiven, Co Derry.
The suspects, aged 73 and 72, were apprehended under a Trade and Co-operation Agreement (TaCA) Warrant as part of a joint operation with the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI). Their alleged involvement centres around the tragic incident that unfolded on July 26, 1975.
Constable Robert John McPherson, a 25-year-old officer, lost his life during an INLA ambush on Dungiven Main Street. His colleague, also targeted in the attack, survived despite sustaining multiple gunshot wounds.
The specifics of the charges against the two men are as follows:
- The 73-year-old suspect faces suspicion of murder.
- The second man, aged 72, is being questioned regarding firearms offences.
Additionally, a third individual, Joseph Gerard Kelly, was arrested by PSNI detectives in Dungiven. Mr. Kelly, 71 years old, now faces charges related to firearms and explosives offences dating back to 1976. These charges include possession of electronic detonators, pressure mats, and various firearms with intent to endanger life.
During a bail hearing, defence solicitor Seamus Quigley highlighted that Mr. Kelly had been living openly at his home for the past two decades. The judge granted bail, with conditions including surrendering his passport, residing at his current address, and weekly reporting to the Limavady PSNI station.
The case is scheduled to be mentioned at the Limavady court sitting in Coleraine on July 10. The decision to prosecute the three men was made by the Northern Ireland Public Prosecution Service, aligning with the commencement of the Northern Ireland (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023 on May
