Suspected terror boss hits out at PSNI over ‘ridiculous’ cocaine charges after case falls apart

Alleged INLA chief Sean Carlin accuses police of ‘dirty tricks’.

Carlin’s solicitor Owen Beattie said the investigation into his client was flawed from the beginning.

“From day one, Mr Carlin maintained his innocence, and with his recent acquittal, he has now been entirely vindicated. The dismissal of these charges does raise more questions than answers,” he added.

“From the earliest opportunity, we highlighted the flaws throughout the investigation, and indeed challenged the questionable forensic evidence relied upon by police.

There now needs to be a root-and-branch examination of the decision to investigate and prosecute my client, for a case the should never have got off the ground.”

Mr Beattie confirmed that Carlin would be taking legal action against the PSNI. He said: “We intend to bring legal action against both police and the Public Prosecution Service for what we would say has been an entirely malicious prosecution. We continue to engage with the Police Ombudsman as to the conduct of police and, particularly, the handling of forensic evidence in this case. Mr Carlin is delighted with the outcome to date, but looks forward to the legal action ahead.”