New hope in Devlin case
Sunday Life
By Stephen Breen
Sunday, January 27, 2008
The killer of north Belfast schoolboy Thomas Devlin could soon face charges over the brutal murder.
Sunday Life can reveal that police told the teenager’s parents, Penny and Jim, last week that a file on the case has been sent to the Public Prosecution Service.
The 15-year-old victim’s parents have also written to the PPS to request a meeting over their son’s case.
Evidence gathered from the two-and-a-half year probe is aimed at the chief suspect and his accomplice.
We have also learned the chief suspect was out on bail on an assault charge at the time of the murder.
But the PPS will also examine evidence which police hope will lead to charges against five people who have been accused of with holding information over the killing.
A senior police source told Sunday Life that one of those accused of withholding information is UVF double-killer Billy Hutchinson.
The senior loyalist was quizzed by cops about the murder last year, but later released.
Thomas’ parents last night welcomed the police’s decision to forward evidence to the PPS.
Said Ms Holloway: “The police have been very proactive since
Thomas’ murder and this is a significant development in our fight for justice.
“We’re pleased the police have forwarded a file on the alleged killer and his accomplice, but also on the people who have not come forward with information since 2005.
“We hope the killer and his accomplice will face murder charges and the people who protected them charged with withholding information.
“As arbiters of justice, the PPS has to demonstrate it is no longer acceptable for people to withhold evidence in a crime as serious as the murder of a child.
“We are dealing with the murder of a 15-year-old schoolboy and the PPS has to take on board the human rights of the victims. The decision on our son’s case now rests with them.”
Sunday Life know the names of the alleged killer and his thug pal, but cannot publish them for legal reasons.
One man has already appeared in court charged with the attempted grievous bodily harm of Thomas’ friend.
Sunday Life’s £10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone who was involved in the killing remains in place.
Thomas was stabbed five times in the back while walking with friends, close to his home on the Somerton Road, on August 10, 2005.
sbreen@belfasttelegraph.co.uk
