Drumcree judge to rule on Orangeman’s challenge to march ban
Court to deliver its ruling
The High Court judgment is due later in a challenge to Bryant’s decision to stop the parade in Portadown. The intervention followed security advice from Boutcher. Before the ban, the chief constable wrote to Bryant that lawful and proportionate ways to let the procession finish had been exhausted, according to his assessment.
Security concerns heard in court
At a hearing last week, the court heard intelligence suggesting dissidents may have mounted gun attacks on police if officers had opened a path for the parade. Orangemen made repeated attempts to start their march, but police blocked them each time.
Dispute spans decades
The latest flare-up has brought legal challenges involving the Parades Commission, the Orange Order and Garvaghy Road residents. The order has contested the decision to prevent the march along Garvaghy Road for three decades.
A tense stand-off began in July 1995, when police stopped the Orange Order from walking the route. Similar confrontations followed over the next three years.
Key points
- A High Court judge is expected to rule on the challenge to the Drumcree parade ban.
- Sir Chris Bryant intervened after receiving security advice from Boutcher.
- The court heard dissidents may have attacked police if officers cleared the route.
- The dispute has involved the Parades Commission, the Orange Order and Garvaghy Road residents.