PSNI statement on band parade was disgraceful

SIR, — I was thoroughly dismayed to read a statement from the police in last week’s Down Recorder relating to the band parade in Killyleagh.

Rather than condemning the disgusting actions of bandsmen who urinated on the town’s chapel, the police made excuses for the bandsmen by claiming there are no public toilets in the town.

The statement then made the incredible statement that police had made a pact with the bandsmen who could urinate in a designated area away from the eyes of the public. In effect, the police turned a blind eye to law breaking. This incident has seriously damaged the credibility of the police in the eyes of many in Killyleagh.

Why did the police chose to appease the bandsmen by offering them their own open air urinal? It is worth asking where this agreed urinal was because this parade goes through the built up town of Killyleagh and to the best of my knowledge does not pass through an area which is out of the public gaze. Surely it should be part of a Parades Commission designation that if public toilets are not available then the organisers must provide their own.

And when the bandsmen stuck two fingers in the air to the PSNI and urinated on the chapel, why did the police who were present not arrest them? They were allowed to go on their way after terrifying the elderly parish priest who showed the kind of courage lacking in the police by confronting these thugs.

We then read, again in this incredibly insulting police statement, that no official complaint had been received. Such a statement was demeaning on Fr. Curran, and trivialised his experience. My understanding is the police do not need a complaint to investigate incidents of public disorder so the challenge to the PSNI is have you started an investigation?

The answer to this question is, of course, no. The police will not investigate the matter because they do not want to upset the community relations apple cart. They fear an inquiry would anger Loyalists and lead to trouble. Instead they will brush it under the carpet and hope it dies away.

One of the roles of the police in any society is to stand up for those who cannot stand up for themselves. On the night of the band parade Fr. Curran tried to stand up for himself and his congregation but was outnumbered and unable. To the shame of the PSNI they chose not to stand up for Fr. Curran and instead took the path of least resistance.

For very obvious reasons I cannot put my name to this letter.

Yours etc.,

DISILLUSIONED,

Killyleagh.