DISSIDENTE ASSOLTO DALL’ACCUSA DI AGGRESSIONE A UFFICIALI DEL PSNI
Gary Donnelly assolto dall’accusa di aver assalito tre agenti di polizia presso la Londonderry Magistrates Court.
Il Giudice Mervyn Bates ha ritenuto non dimostrabile oltre ogni ragionevole dubbio la colpevolezza del repubblicano Gary Donnelly.
La difesa aveva valutato in 16 o 17 le incoerenze nelle prove presentate dal PSNI.
Donnelly era stato accusato di aver preso a spallate un ufficiale costretto contro la ringhiera e di aver preso a calci 2 agenti mentre lo scortavano davanti alla corte in manette, per una protesta avvenuta a Raytheon nell’agosto del 2006.
Di vitale importanza, come ha ammesso il giudice, è stata la testimonianza del giornalista irlandese Seamus McKinney. Egli ha dichiarato che Gary Donnelly era stato buttato a terra da due agenti, mentre stava cercando di salutare la folla.
Donnelly uscendo dal tribunale, ha affermato che questa è la quarta volta in cui viene assolto dall’accusa di aggressione ad ufficiali di polizia.
Dissident cleared of PSNI assault (BBC News Northern Ireland)
A leading dissident republican has been cleared of assaulting police officers at Londonderry Magistrates Court.
Gary Donnelly, of Kildrum Gardens in Creggan, was accused of attacking three officers who brought him to court over a protest at Raytheon in August 2006.
A defence barrister said there were between 16 and 17 inconsistencies in the police evidence.
Judge Mervyn Bates said he could not be satisfied beyond reasonable doubt and dismissed the case.
Mr Donnelly had been accused of shoulder-charging one officer against the railings and kicking two others while being led into court in handcuffs.
Irish News journalist Seamus McKinney gave evidence that Mr Donnelly had been bundled to the ground by police officers as he paused to acknowledge the crowd.
Judge Bates said he had been “impressed” by Mr McKinney’s evidence.
Speaking outside the court, Mr Donnelly said it was now the fourth occasion he had been charged with assaulting police and the charges had been dismissed.
The Five Demands 