MP welcomes Carroll verdict

UPPER Bann MP David Simpson has welcomed the guilty verdict handed down in the Stephen Carroll murder trial.

Speaking after Brendan McConville and John Paul Wootton were convicted of the murder he said, “This was the brutal terrorist murder of a brave police officer while he was on duty trying serve and protect the community.

“Those who carried out this murder intended to strike fear into the wider community. They sought to destabilise the political structures. They also sought to target the PSNI as the only legitimate and lawful police service in Northern Ireland and in turn to intimidate members of the Roman Catholic community out of choosing the police service as a career.

“They failed miserably. They succeeded only in uniting the entire community against them and in support of the police. This callous and brutal murder served only to deprive a family of a beloved family member, and also to draw all sections of the community together in their outrage and opposition to them.”

“I want to commend the police investigation that resulted in this successful prosecution. I also want to place on record my public thanks to every single member of the wider community who provided information that helped bring about this successful prosecution and verdict.”

“I know that the vast majority of people on all sides will welcome this verdict. I know too that they will also continue to hold Constable Carroll’s widow Kate, who has borne her heartbreak and loss with such dignity, and the entire wider family circle in their prayers.”