TUV leader Jim Allister has today written to the Lord Chief Justice in the following terms:
Dear Chief Justice,
Re: Damian Joseph McLaughlin
I write to express my dismay at the situation which has evolved in respect of the above accused, particularly the role of our Bail Courts in same.
It is reported that by a series of bail term variations key conditions were removed to the point that the accused found it easy to abscond. What review are you conducting into the handling of this case and the court’s contribution to the distressing outcome for the Black family, and what lessons have been learned?
I trust you will write appropriately to the Black family and, like the PSNI, apologise for this bungled situation.
Yours sincerely,
Jim Allister