Shot PSNI Detective John Caldwell recently gave evidence before trial of Gerry 'The Monk' Hutch

The head of the Garda Representative Association has condemned the shooting in Omagh as 'barbaric'

13:51, 23 Feb 2023Updated 13:51, 23 Feb 2023

[PSNI Detective Chief Inspector John Caldwell]

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PSNI Detective Chief Inspector John Caldwell(Image: PA Wire/PA Images)

Shot PSNI Detective Chief Inspector John Caldwell recently gave evidence before the trial of Gerry Hutch, it has emerged.

The senior PSNI officer was shot and seriously injured in front of his young son after a coaching session at a sports complex on the Killyclogher Road in Omagh on Wednesday night - and remains in a critical condition.

The decorated officer, who was involved in the investigation into the death of Natalie McNally, gave evidence before the Special Criminal Court trial of Mr Hutch in October last year.

At the time he was called in to give evidence about formally identifying the Flat Cap shooter in Dublins Regency Hotel as Strabane native Kevin Murray.

During the court appearance Detective Chief Inspector Caldwell told the court that he met with gardai from Ballymun Garda Station and formally identified images of Murray from CCTV footage in the Regency Hotel.

He noted that Murray was carrying a firearm - a pistol, in images supplied to him.

In April 2016 Murray was arrested - and eventually efforts would be made to extradite him - but he died of Motor Neurone Disease before he could be prosecuted.

Meanwhile, an outpouring of support and well wishes have poured out for DI Caldwell - including from his colleagues in An Garda Siochana.

In comments to the Irish Mirror on Thursday afternoon, Brendan OConnor, president of the Garda Representative Association (GRA) described the horrific shooting as barbaric and says that he and his colleagues completely condemn it.

[PSNI Detective Chief Superintendent John Caldwell]

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PSNI Detective Chief Superintendent John Caldwell(Image: PA Wire/PA Images)

The GRA membership were shocked and dismayed to hear of this barbaric attempt to murder a police colleague. We absolutely condemn the cowardly attack.

Those who have nothing to offer other than hate and division and hate showed utter contempt and recklessness for the wider community and young people in Omagh by their actions, he said.

Mr OConnor also passed on the best wishes of the force to Mr Caldwell, who is in a critical condition in hospital.

Members of this association send their good wishes to the injured officer and are steadfast in our commitment to assist in bringing the perpetrators to justice.

Three men have been arrested in connection with the attempted murder of Mr Caldwell.

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