By David Young-
A number of people linked by intelligence material to the murder of GAA official Sean Brown were state agents, a court has heard.
A lawyer for the family of Mr Brown said the revelation was “shocking and upsetting”, adding that the case for a public inquiry to held into the death was now “overwhelming”.
The inquest hearing was also told that in excess of 25 people had been linked by intelligence to the murder.
Mr Brown, 61, was abducted and killed by loyalists as he locked the gates at Bellaghy Wolfe Tones Club in Co Londonderry in May 1997.
After he was placed in the boot of his own car, he was taken to a country lane outside Randalstown, Co Antrim, where he was shot six times.
The public interest immunity (PII) process in the case has been taking place in closed hearings in recent weeks ahead of a ruling by coroner Mr Justice Kinney on Monday about what material can be considered by the inquest in open court.
Giving an update at the Royal Courts of Justice on Tuesday, counsel for the coroner Joseph Aiken KC, said he recognized that the PII process was “confusing and frustrating” for families.
He said a “global gist” had been arrived at to summaris ewhat had been happening during the closed PII hearings.
The public interest immunity (PII) process in the case has been taking place in closed hearings in recent weeks ahead of a ruling by coroner Mr Justice Kinney on Monday about what material can be considered by the inquest in open court.
Giving an update at the Royal Courts of Justice on Tuesday, counsel for the coroner Joseph Aiken KC, said he recognized that the PII process was “confusing and frustrating” for families.
He said a “global gist” had been arrived at to summarize what had been happening during the closed PII hearings.