The Chief Executive of the Police Ombudsman’s Office has stated an appeal of the recent high court judgment is warranted, given the ‘significant implications’ for the Office’s work.
“The judgment has significant implications for the work of the office and not only in relation to legacy cases. It also impacts non-Troubles related historical investigations and the thousands of complaints about police officer conduct which this Office investigates every year,” said Hugh Hume.
“As Accounting Officer, I have considered this potentially wide-ranging impact, and I am satisfied that the appeal, the cost of which will be met within existing budgets, is warranted”.
The Police Ombudsman previously confirmed that she will appeal the judgment by Justice Scoffield to seek clarity as to the scope of her powers and noted that nothing in the judgment undermined or cast doubt on the professionalism, dedication or bona fides of the work of the Ombudsman’s Office.