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'British spy' and IRA agent Stakeknife to be investigated over 24 murders

Freddie Scappaticci has consistently denied being an informer.

POLICE IN NORTHERN Ireland have been directed to open investigations into the activities of IRA agent Freddie Scappaticci, alleging possible links to at least 24 murders.

Known as Stakeknife, he was outed as a British spy in the 1990s by the BBC but has consistently denied the claim. According to the broadcaster, he led the IRA’s internal security unit (the nutting squad) – responsible for interrogating suspected spies – while working as an informant.

The Director of Public Prosecutions wants the PSNI to examine what information the alleged double agent may have passed to British agencies, including the army, MI5 and the RUC’s Special Branch.

Two probes have been requested by Barra McGrory who said he had been made aware – through the Police Ombudsman – of the “scope and range of possible offences” that may have been carried out by Scappaticci and members of intelligence agencies. Dr Michael Maguire has been investigating the killings of alleged informers by the IRA and whether there was security force collusion.

The first inquiry will look at the “full range of offences alleged to have been committed by this individual” and “any criminal activity that may have been carried out by Security Service Personnel”.

According to the Ombudsman’s analysis of material from investigations into possible collusion, “a common link across a significant number of potential crimes, including murder, was the alleged involvement of an agent of military intelligence codenamed Stakeknife”.

There have also been questions raised by the Attorney General of Northern Ireland about a murder case in which in the same agent is “potentially implicated”.

The second inquiry will focus on possible perjury in a 2003 court hearing will also be examined during a fresh review of a prosecutorial decision, McGrory revealed today.

“I have serious concerns in relation to this decision. Having reviewed all of the available evidence, I consider that the original decision did not take into account relevant considerations and also took into account irrelevant factors.

I have concluded that the original decision was not within the range of decisions that could reasonably be taken in the circumstances. This decision has been set aside.

The investigations could lead to the agent being quizzed about his alleged double life.

More: Provisional IRA members leafleting and electioneering for Sinn Féin – report

Read: ‘There are people out there still intent on targeting our police’

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    Mute Wayne O'Fathaigh
    Favourite Wayne O'Fathaigh
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    Jul 17th 2015, 8:04 PM

    Imelda, always comes across so well. I hope her and the Husband are accorded they privacy they deserve at this time. She is a fantastic ambassador for Ireland

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    Mute Boyne Sharky
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    Jul 17th 2015, 8:08 PM

    Very sorry to hear this and wish her, her soon to be ex husband Darrel and daughter Violet all the best. It can’t be easy living in the public eye knowing you have to make these things public before a newspaper does.

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    Mute Eileen McKenna
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    Jul 17th 2015, 10:01 PM

    Christ it was hard enough to go through this in private, much less having your life dragged through the media. What a lovely lady, I wish every happiness to Imelda Mae, Darrell and their daughter. There IS sunshine at the end of the rainbow

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    John
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    Mute John
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    Jul 17th 2015, 8:47 PM

    Half the world is splitting up.

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    Mute That's all folks
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    Jul 17th 2015, 10:41 PM

    Whilst this may be true. I think it’s because people demand happiness now and won’t stay in bad marriages to save face. Think of all the cranky old people down the pub or in your neighbourhood who hate each other. What a waste of life. Much better to be happy. Life is too short.

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    John
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    Mute John
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    Jul 18th 2015, 12:00 AM

    I agree and it’s fine if both want to split but when one doesn’t it’s heartbreaker. Maybe people are expecting perfection. Believe me it doesn’t exist.

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    Mute GunsGerms
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    Jul 17th 2015, 11:25 PM

    Classy lady. Keep on smiling.

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    Mute Ken Pepper
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    Jul 17th 2015, 11:56 PM

    ah sure we will always have Brian and Vogue

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    Mute Peter Derbyshire
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    Jul 18th 2015, 12:18 AM

    Best luck to them.
    The pursuit of ones artistic aspirations is a difficult choice that needs to made in adversity
    There are three artists involved in this “break up”
    Hopefully they will all find can appropriate accommodation
    Peter

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    Mute Ally O'Rourke
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    Jul 18th 2015, 12:36 AM

    Sad news. Be well Imelda.

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    Mute PhotographybyMeAB
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    Jul 18th 2015, 2:40 AM

    Ah look, the red thumb toll patrol is out and about. Nothing better to do….

    Both Imelda and her husband may have parted ways, but good to see that can still be good friends……

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    Mute John Cusack
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    Jul 18th 2015, 3:24 AM

    Imelda, what are you doing on Friday? Fancy a night on the town luv?

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    Mute Anjelica Sommer
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    Jul 18th 2015, 6:00 AM

    Best of luck Imelda. Happy apart than miserable together I say.

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    Mute Boxer Alice
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    Jul 18th 2015, 11:47 AM

    So sorry to hear about the breakup ! Can’t believe it as Imelda always said how happy they were not to mention that Darrel is such a big part of the band. Always loved her song about their early days in Camden when all they had was love. People give up too easily I feel!

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    Mute Keith Tracey
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    Jul 18th 2015, 7:08 AM

    Don’t care

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    Mute molly coddled
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    Jul 18th 2015, 12:37 AM

    I’m not surprised.

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    Mute Cyril Butler
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    Jul 18th 2015, 1:37 PM

    She always looked so innocent and lovable when she presented a show. Not really into her music but no doubt she is very talented but when you hear her presenting you just want to give her a big hug. Strikes me as a harmless lovable person. I hope she will be OK.

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    Mute Steve McMahon
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    Jul 18th 2015, 8:45 AM

    Imelda who ????

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    Mute Kathleen Henderson
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    Jul 18th 2015, 9:11 PM

    Imelda I’m gutted to hear about you and Darrel seperating……Please please think again.Your such a lovely couple….I’m always listening to Kentish waltz. ….and what’s it to anyone except you and me…..ah Imelda I’m so very sorry…..you and Darrel are my ideal couple……your my William and Kate…++++…what’s this stupid world coming to. We wish you the very best…..Violet has such wonderfully musical genes in her…..she’ll be a joy to watch growing up. Love and God bless you Imelda…..If you ever need a safe place or anything I’m yours…..xx

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    Mute fitzer
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    Jul 18th 2015, 1:35 PM

    the last place to air your laundry is on sadbook

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    Mute Daisy Chainsaw
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    Jul 18th 2015, 5:43 PM

    Tabloid media are sċumbags, a pox on them. It should be nobody’s interest beyond Imelda, Darrel and their immediate circle and it’s horrible that she had to make this statement to take the wind out of some tacky muckraking headline.

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    Mute Vera Stewart
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    Jan 31st 2016, 11:02 AM

    When I eventually found testimonies about this sorceress mama jaja, how she helped many people to get their relationship back, i contacted her through her email address because I was absolutely desperate to get my husband back. Life without my husband was a real mess for me and my children. i wanted a dramatic change and I thought magic could be the solution. After discussing the resolution with mama jaja, she gave me hope that she will restore my marriage. I felt confident that she will actually make my husband to return home and he did! It’s fantastic what mama jaja have done for me. her help is priceless! I don’t know what I would have done without mama jaja, mama jaja does her job so well she is organized and highly functional, i believe her is the best sorceress i can count on when it comes to spirituality, I was happy that her spells worked Thanks!
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