Published Date: 04.12.2000

The Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland, Mrs Nuala O’Loan, met the Secretary of State Peter Mandelson at Stormont Castle this lunchtime.

The Secretary of State had asked for the meeting to review the operation of the Office since it’s opening on November 6.

Mrs O’Loan discussed with Mr Mandleson her supervision of the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of Portadown man Robert Hamill.

The Secretary of State expressed appreciation for the fact that the Police Ombudsman was now directly supervising this investigation and saw this as a further way to meet the interests of all involved, including the Hamill family.

He also advised Mrs O’Loan that he had not ruled out the possibility of a public inquiry in this case.

The Police Ombudsman’s Office, which has been in operation for a month, has received more than 400 complaints against police officers.