Convictions over planned 1989 attack on RUC football team quashed

Declan John Murphy (left) and Declan John Moen outside court on Wednesday

Three men jailed over explosives offences almost 35 years ago in connection with a planned attack on a police football team have had their convictions quashed.

Declan John Murphy, Declan John Moen and Conor Gilmore were jailed in 1991 over a plot to attack the Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC) team.

Court of Appeal judges identified "reprehensible" and deliberate police misconduct, which was not revealed in their original trial.

Mr Murphy and Mr Moen spoke of their relief outside the court, with Mr Moen adding he was "grateful" it had come to a conclusion.

No further detail was revealed in court as the judgement was based on confidential material which could not be disclosed.

The three appeal court judges voted by two to one that the convictions were unsafe.

In 1991, all three men were found guilty at a non-jury trial of possessing explosive substances with intent.

The case related to a bomb planted at Limavady United's football ground ahead of a match against the RUC in December 1989.

Fixture rearrangements meant the game did not go ahead on that date.

'Reprehensible' police behaviour

Speaking outside the court solicitor Gavin Booth said the verdict had taken "far too long".

"These clients have waited over 30 years in order to have their convictions overturned," he said.

"The reality of the situation is that the court found that the police's behaviour was reprehensible.

"These convictions should never have happened."

He said the three men "lost their liberty" as a result.

"I think that throughout the trial the police acted wrongly in trying to convict our clients and using every opportunity they could to try and set them up.

"They knew that a state agent set them up, but they didn't disclose that and instead they bedded down in this process and tried to set our clients up."

Gavin Booth, a legal representative said the men "lost their liberty"

Mr Murphy said there was "some relief" after the decision.

He said he had been studying politics and law at university when he was convicted.

"Obviously those opportunities were taken off us but we picked up the bits and pieces when we were released and got involved in normal family life and work and that's what we'll continue to do."

Mr Moen thanked the legal team.

"It's a long time ago but we're very grateful that they were able to take it to a conclusion," he said.

In a statement, the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said they were aware of the judgement and "will take time to study the full judgment and its content when published".