Northern Ireland Veterans Association

Man is charged with Nairac murder

A man has been charged with the murder of British Army officer Robert Nairac more than 32 years ago. Kevin Crilly, 59, from Lower Foughill Road, Jonesborough, was charged with the murder and two counts of kidnapping and false imprisonment.
He was released on bail following the hearing at Newry Magistrates Court.

Captain Nairac, 29, originally from Gloucestershire, was abducted by the IRA from Dromintee, County Armagh, on 14 May, 1977. His body was never found. The accused spoke only to confirm he understood the charges against him.
A detective sergeant told the judge on Wednesday that he could connect Mr Crilly with the charges.

He told the court Captain Nairac was abducted after a scuffle broke out at the Three Steps bar in Dromintee in south Armagh. The court heard that the car used to drive Captain Nairac away was either owned or driven by Mr Crilly.
Two weeks later, a strand of hair consistent with a sample taken from Captain Nairac's hairbrush was found in the car.
It's believed he was driven across the border to Ravensdale forest in County Louth, where two fishermen later found traces of blood.
At the time Mr Crilly was interviewed by police about Captain Nairac's disappearance, but he was later released.
He spent 29 years in the United States, and the court was told he only returned to Northern Ireland after the break-up of a long-term relationship.
The court heard the police had spoken to the FBI about what he did in the intervening years in the US. Police opposed an application for bail because of the severity of the murder charge.

Independent review of defence acquisition published

A Mastiff providing force protection to a Combat Logistic Patrol in northern Helmand, Afghanistan
[Picture: Sgt Dan Harmer RLC, Crown Copyright/MOD 2009]

Last year, the previous Defence Secretary commissioned Bernard Gray to assess what steps the Department was making to reform its procurement process and suggest further recommendations on how it can be improved.

Since then, a review team led by Mr Gray has met with MOD officials and representatives from the Defence Industry and other organisations to obtain a clear picture of the way the Department purchases and delivers equipment.

His findings, which are published today, identify a number of areas where the acquisition process could be improved. The MOD accepts the report's two main themes: a need to bring equipment plans into line with likely available resources; and a need to improve equipment programme planning, management and delivery.

The report also acknowledges that all countries struggle with the complex challenges of defence procurement and some are envious of the UK's achievements.

It recognises the dedication of those involved in defence acquisition, the MOD's long-standing commitment to reform and the significant progress made to date.

11 Light Brigade take over

[Picture: Sgt Rob Knight RLC, Crown Copyright/MOD 2009]

19 Light Brigade lowered its flag at the TFH headquarters marking the end of a successful six-month tour.

"We have suffered 70 fatalities plus many more personnel with life-changing injuries. Every loss cuts deeply and we will never forget those who made the ultimate sacrifice. We will continue to support those individuals and all the families."

The Commander of 19 Light Brigade, Brigadier Tim Radford, said: "The efforts of every soldier in 19 Brigade this summer have helped to deliver security and governance in Helmand. "I want them to be remembered for the courage, fortitude and resolve they have shown in the harshest operational environment. They have been tested to the extreme and they have delivered.