‘No decision’ on whether Adams will face McConville charges

Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams could still be charged in relation to the abduction and murder of mother of 10 Jean McConville.

According to UTV, the North’s Public Prosecution Service has said no final decision has been made on the issue, contradicting earlier reports that he would not be charged in relation to the case.

Mrs McConville was abducted, murdered and secretly buried by the IRA in 1972. Adams was arrested in relation to the case in May of last year and interviewed for four days by members of the Police Service of Norther Ireland.

He has always insisted he had nothing to do with her abduction or murder.

The Irish News reported that Mr Adams would not face a charge in connection with the killing, following the prosecution service’s consideration of that report.

However, the Public Prosecution Service said this was “speculative and premature”.

A spokeswoman quoted by UTV said: “We are aware of media reports in relation to Gerry Adams which are speculative and premature.

“No further prosecutorial decisions have been reached in connection with the murder of Jean McConville.

“It is anticipated that the processes involved in taking this decision will be concluded before the end of July.”

The case was reviewed by a senior prosecutor, with Director of Public Prosecutions Barra McGrory excusing himself from the case because he once represented Adams in private practice.