Informer to stand trial over Finucane murder

Self-confessed RUC informer Mr William Stobie is to stand trial later this year for his alleged role in the murder more than …

Self-confessed RUC informer Mr William Stobie is to stand trial later this year for his alleged role in the murder more than a decade ago of Belfast solicitor Patrick Finucane.

Mr Finucane, a leading Catholic lawyer, was gunned down in front of his family in his north Belfast home in February 1989. Responsibility for the killing was claimed by the Ulster Freedom Fighters (UFF).

Mr Stobie (50) a one time Ulster Defence Association quartermaster from Forthriver Road, Belfast, would appear at Belfast Crown Court on November 12th, the Northern Ireland Court Service said.

He is charged with aiding and abetting the UFF killers and possessing the guns used in the shooting.

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Mr Stobie also faces similar charges over the murder of 19-year-old Protestant student Adam Lambert in 1987. Mr Lambert was shot dead after being mistaken for a Catholic by loyalist gunmen.

The charges were brought against Mr Stobie by a special team sent to the North under the leadership of Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Sir John Stevens.

They come amid allegations of security force collusion in Mr Finucane's death. His family continues to press the British government for an independent judicial inquiry into the allegations. That call is being supported by Sinn Féin and the Government.

Amnesty International and the British Irish Rights Watch have also called for an inquiry.

PA