Steak Knife Report Due Soon – A Reminder Of What It Will Cover

(Note: The code name given to the IRA double agent Freddie Scappaticci by his British Army handlers was Steak Knife, but the former British Army intelligence officer who made his activities public dubbed him Stakeknife instead to give his leak a measure of legal protection. The article will thus employ the code name Stakeknife.)

These are the terms of reference given to former Bedfordshire Chief Constable (now retired) Jon Boutcher for his investigation into the activities of British double agent and senior IRA figure, Freddie Scappaticci:

”Initial Investigative remit:

”The investigative remit will be to establish:

“Whether there is evidence of the commission of criminal offences by the alleged agent known as Stakeknife, including but not limited to, murders, attempted murders or unlawful imprisonments.

“Whether there is evidence of criminal offences having been committed by members of the British Army, the Security Services or other Government agencies, in respect of the cases connected to the alleged agent known as Stakeknife. Regard in this context will be given to the Article 2 (ECHR) rights of victims and the associated responsibilities of the British Army, the Security Services, or other Government agencies.

”Whether there is evidence of criminal offences having been committed by any other individual, in respect of the cases connected to the alleged agent.

”Whether there is evidence of the commission of criminal offences by any persons in rerspect of allegations of perjury connected to the alleged agent. ISG provide governance and oversight to the investigation.

“If the Op Kenova investigation team identifies matters which indicate that former or current police officers may have committed criminal or misconduct offences, they will be formally and expeditiously referred to the Deputy Chief Constable of the Police Service of Northern Ireland who will refer the matter to the Office of the Police Ombudsman via the statutory requirements of the Police (Northern Ireland) Act 1988.

”Any matters falling outside these parameters will be brought to the attention of the Chief Constable of the Police Service of Northern Ireland by Mr Boutcher for consideration. The Chief Constable of the Police Service of Northern Ireland will, if necessary, consult with the Director of Public Prosecutions as to the appropriate basis on which to address these additional matters.”

ENDS