Two retired RUC detectives are to stand trial on charges connected to an alleged miscarriage of justice involving four Derry men 35 years ago.
John McGahan (71) and Philip Noel Thomson (64), whose addresses were given as PSNI headquarters, Knock Road, Belfast, denied the charges when they appeared at Belfast Crown Court.
The charges relate to statements taken during an investigation into the murder of Lt Steven Kirby, of the Royal Welsh Fusiliers, in Derry in February 1979.
Four teenagers, who became known as the “Derry Four” after they jumped bail, were charged with the killing.
Gerry McGowan, Michael Toner, Stephen Crumlish and Gerard Kelly went to the Republic from where they protested their innocence.
All charges against them were dropped almost 20 years later.
Their treatment by the RUC was investigated by the Police Ombudsman and in 2012 the matter was referred to the Public Prosecution Service (PPS).
Both accused were remanded on continuing bail.
Their trial was expected to start later this year and could last up to three weeks.
Tags: