Stakeknife refused representation

The tribunal investigating the murder of two senior RUC officers almost 18 years ago has refused to grant legal representation to Freddie Scappaticci.

The inquiry has been set up to investigate claims that members of the Gardai colluded in the IRA killing of chief superintendent Harry Breen and superintendent Robert Buchanan in March 1989.

The pair were shot dead in an ambush north of Dundalk while returning from a meeting with Gardai in Dundalk station. Judge Peter Smithwick today granted legal representation to the Breen and Buchanan families, the Garda Commissioner, retired detective sergeant Owen Corrigan and double-agent Kevin Fulton.

However, he refused permission for legal representation to Mr Scappaticci, the alleged British agent known as Stakeknife. Judge Smithwick said there was no evidence Mr Scappaticci would be called before the tribunal, but he was free to renew his application at any stage of the inquiry.