The soldier in charge of an SAS unit that shot two IRA men dead has denied any shoot-to-kill policy was in place in the North.

The whole Freedom of Information process is a bit like scallop dredging.

The businessman cleared of assaulting a burglar he struck twice with his Mercedes car last night said: “I’m glad it’s all over.” He said he wouldn’t go “through this ordeal again”.

A businessman on trial for assault causing harm and for endangering the life of a burglar who broke into his house was already successfully sued for €175,000 by the man, a court has heard.

In the North, the Supreme Court has ordered that a full inquest into the deaths of two IRA men should go ahead.

The planning and control of controversial security operations could be examined by coroners after a landmark ruling sent relatives of two IRA men shot dead by SAS to the UK’s highest court, their solicitor claimed today.

Lawyers representing the families of two IRA men shot dead by security forces in controversial circumstances went to the House of Lords today to challenge the manner in which the inquests into their deaths will proceed.