A former RUC informer accused of murdering Belfast solicitor Mr Pat Finucane was remanded for another month at the city's Magistrates Court yesterday. Mr William Stobie (48), from Forthriver Road, Belfast, is also charged with murdering Mr Adam Lambert (19) two years before Mr Finucane was shot dead in his home in September 1989.
Mr Joe Rice, solicitor, defending, said he was concerned about the delay in fixing a trial date. It was almost a year since Mr Stobie was charged with the Finucane killing. A lawyer for the Director of Public Prosecutions said preparation of papers in both murder cases was advanced and it was hoped they could be served before the next hearing. Mr Rice said he was concerned about the possibility of further delay as officers from the Stevens inquiry had only recently begun interviewing witnesses in the Lambert murder, 12 years after it happened.
Resident Magistrate Mr Harry McKibbin remanded Mr Stobie on continuing bail until June 28th.