Future of Finucane murder trial to be known today

The Director of Public Prosecutions in the North is expected to reveal today whether or not he intends to compel a former journalist to give evidence in the trial of a man accused of murdering solicitor Pat Finucane.

Neil Mulholland is a crucial witness in the trial of William Stobie, but his lawyers have argued that he should not be called because he could commit suicide if compelled to testify.

The court has ruled that Mr Mulholland should give evidence, but has also asked the DPP to reconsider his decision to call the witness.

Mr Mulholland’s evidence is seen as crucial to securing a conviction against 50-year-old William Stobie, a former UDA quartermaster and RUC informer who has admitted supplying the gun used to murder Mr Finucane in 1989.

Mr Stobie has told police that he thought the target of the attack was a leading Provisional IRA member and would not have supplied the weapon if he knew it was a civilian.

However, in an interview with Mr Mulholland, Mr Stobie allegedly said he was aware that Mr Finucane was the intended target.

Mr Stobie has also revealed that he twice warned the RUC Special Branch about the impending attack, but they did nothing to prevent it or investigate it.

He said he subsequently told the RUC who was responsible for the shooting and where the murder weapon was hidden.

If Mr Mulholland is excused from testifying, Mr Stobie’s trial is likely to collapse.