The DUP MP said, “1st August will mark the 21st anniversary of the murder of David Caldwell by the Real IRA at a TA camp in Londonderry. No one has ever been charged in connection with his murder. In addition, a serious allegation was subsequently made by a person claiming to be a former soldier who had authored a book alleging that intelligence meant Police could have done more to prevent David’s murder.
I raised the issue with the Chief Constable initially and, when the Police response was unsatisfactory, with the Police Ombudsman. This has now been under investigation by the Ombudsman’s Office for six years this week without any definitive response. During that time the Caldwell family have seen countless other issues dealt with by the Ombudsman’s office, yet they are kept waiting. There have been numerous meetings and a plethora of correspondence but six years on still no outcome.
At a meeting I had in early January the Ombudsman indicated there would be a conclusion by March. I have not rushed to comment after that date but the office of policing ombudsman does not appear to be fit for purpose. The claims within the book are serious and merit proper investigation, but there seems to be no valid reason for this continuing delay which only exacerbates the trauma suffered by the family.
The Caldwell family deserve better from the Police Ombudsman’s office and they deserve a clear answer regarding when they will be given the outcome of this investigation.”