RAAD victim's mother 'let down' by PSNI

Published Tuesday, 12 June 2012
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The mother of Londonderry man Andrew Allen who was killed by a republican vigilante group says she feels let down by the PSNI.

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Donna Smith's son was shot dead four months ago in Co Donegal but she says she is disgusted that the police on this side of the border still haven't met with her.

The 24-year-old father of two was shot dead on 9 February at Links View Park, near Buncrana.

Originally from the Waterside area, Mr Allen was one of a number of Derry men forced into exile by the dissident group Republican Action Against Drugs (RAAD).

Since then, his mother has publicly urged people to work with and co-operate with the police in Northern Ireland.

But despite her very public support, the PSNI has not met with her.

I haven't had one person from the PSNI come to me and ask me anything or tell me anything. I haven't had no contact with them at all.

Donna Smith

"Not one person has come near me which I think is disgraceful."

The grieving mother says the only way forward is for the community to support the police - but she says that the relationship can only succeed if the support is reciprocated.

She continued: "I feel very, very let down. I feel very let down."

The PSNI say they have not yet met Donna Smith due to strict protocols preventing them from treading on an investigation in another jurisdiction.

An Garda Síochána is leading the murder inquiry because Mr Allen was shot dead across the border in Co Donegal.

However, it has now been agreed that PSNI detectives will meet her later this week to reassure her that every effort is being made to catch her son's killers.

© UTV News
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7 Comments
On the Fence in Belfast wrote (340 days ago):
Of course they have no jurisdiction, but it doesn't stop them traveling ten miles down the road to speak to the lady. That's not illegal, there are no restrictions for crossing our borders (unless it's the other way, with PSNI having firearms).
John Burns in Belfast wrote (340 days ago):
Rob, I largely agree with your comments which seem considered. "On the fence" perhaps a little too barbed? This lady has lost her son and she may expect the police on this side of the border to provide some form of family liaison consdiering the Garda have no jurisdiction? Just a thought?
Rod in :) wrote (340 days ago):
The only reason UTV write this stuff is to provoke a reaction. Does this woman not know where the local Police station is, try Google maps. I'm sure she could arrange a meeting,but I'm not sure what about though.
always the same rubbish in dundonald wrote (340 days ago):
no word of the guards contacting her re the murder?what has the police here got to do with the murder investigation?no word of her thoughts on the terrorists that did this evil crime?
OldSod in Fermanagh wrote (340 days ago):
I would have thought that if there was anything pertinent to ask or tell, it would be done by the Gardai or by request of the Gardai (they are only down the road, not a million miles away). I see in the article that this is the case. I know that the PSNI are the default agency to blame in Northern Ireland for pretty much anything, but this is stretching it. Why is this even news?
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