Men's convictions over planned 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.

The case was referred back to the Court of Appeal by the Criminal Cases Review Commission.

The Court of Appeal, by majority verdict, found the convictions were unsafe.

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

'Reprehensible' police behaviour

Speaking outside of court Gavin Booth, of Phoenix Law, 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, of Phoenix Law, 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.