Fresh inquiry into 1987 murder

Claims were made by loyalist killer Michael Stone

Police are to launch a fresh investigation into a sectarian murder in County Tyrone 16 years ago.

The killing of Dermot Hackett is to be re-examined following allegations of security force collusion made by loyalist killer Michael Stone.

The 37-year-old bread delivery man was shot dead by loyalists near Omagh in 1987.

At the High Court on Friday, Mr Hackett's widow, Sylvia Hackett, from Belldoo, Strabane, was granted leave to apply for a judicial review of the failure or refusal of the secretary of state to carry out a thorough and effective investigation into her husband's murder.

Stone claimed in his autobiography that he became involved in a conspiracy to murder Mr Hackett after seeing intelligence in security forces' files, the court heard.

"Michael Stone says that he subsequently pulled out of the assassination even though he was convicted of the murder," barrister Karen Quinlivan said.

"In essence he makes the case that he had access to security forces files and that there was security forces involvement in the murder.

"Michael Stone may not be a reliable source but the matter needs to be investigated."

A legal representative for the secretary of state said the police had decided to carry out a review of the book and police files to see if there was anything to corroborate Stone's claims.

Mr Justice Kerr said the fresh police investigation was not sufficient to prevent the granting of leave.

The judge added there was at least an arguable case in the light of Stone's revelations.

Jailed

Stone murdered three men at the Belfast funerals of three IRA members killed by the SAS in Gibraltar in 1988.

About 60 people were injured as Stone ran through Milltown Cemetery, firing shots and throwing hand grenades.

Security forces caught him at the edge of the cemetery, and he was later sentenced to several life terms.

He was released early in June 2000, under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement.

His autobiography, "None Shall Divide Us," was published earlier this year.