POLICE colleagues of an RUC constable, Mr John Torney, on trial in Belfast for the murder of his family, yesterday told the Crown Court of his abilities as a policeman.
Mr Torney (40) denies killing his wife Linda (33), daughter Emma (10) and his 13 year old son John jnr, who were found shot dead in their beds at their Lomond Heights home in Cookstown, Co Tyrone, in the early hours of September 20th, 1994.
A chief inspector yesterday described Mr Torney as a conscientious and efficient officer who got on well with the other men. He added that he was a family man with a good family relationship.
Mr Torney's former section officer in the mobile support unit said he had found him honest and straight a decent man, very family orientated, whose main interest outside the force was DIY around the house.
The witness also told the jury that he and Mr Torney had both been highly commended by the Chief Constable for their actions in taking on terrorists who were firing at another police vehicle in Dungannon. The former sergeant agreed that he had been "very fussy" as to which men he went on patrol with.
A school friend of Mr Torney's said the defendant had always been a very good and loyal friend. "I have never found him to be deceitful, or a liar, or insincere." The witness said the family were very close and appeared to get on well. Mr Torney was a good father, kind and fair, and the children held him in high esteem.
He said that he and his family had visited the Torney home in August 1994. He was aware then that Mr Torney had been threatened and was considering moving house, but that his wife was very reluctant to move again, and this was causing some disagreement.
The trial continues this morning when the final defence witness, a medical expert from London, will give evidence.