No prosecution of eight over journalist’s murder

Eight people investigated about the murder of a journalist in the North over a decade ago will not be prosecuted because of concerns about the evidence of a key witness, the DPP for Northern Ireland said yesterday.

Sunday World reporter Martin O’Hagan, 51, was shot dead by loyalists in Lurgan, Co Armagh, in 2001.

Witness Neil Hyde gave an account to police which could not be independently verified, the DPP said.

Barra McGrory, for the DPP, said: “The prosecution of any of the accused in this case would depend on the evidence of Neil Hyde.

“Having regard to all the circumstances, it has been concluded that, in the absence of any corroboration, the available evidence is insufficient to provide a reasonable prospect of obtaining a conviction against any individual.”

Mr O’Hagan worked for the Dublin-based Sunday World and built a reputation for covering paramilitary and drugs-related stories.

He was the first journalist believed to have been murdered in the line of work in the history of the troubles in the North, and was killed as he returned from the pub in his home town. A car pulled alongside and a gunman shot him. Marie O’Hagan escaped death when her husband pushed her into a hedge to protect her.

Hyde, a suspect, indicated he was willing to assist the authorities. He was prosecuted for offences including conspiring to carry a firearm with intent to wound, in connection with the murder, which was claimed by the Red Hand Defenders.

Hyde was jailed for three years. The sentencing judge told him if he had not agreed to identify the alleged murder culprits and give evidence about LVF activities he would have been jailed for 18 years.