Mr.Madine said:
“A local nineteen year old youth was deliberately run over by a car driven by an off-duty British Army soldier who is based at Ballykinlar and was in Newcastle socialising at the weekend. The young man is currently in hospital and suffered two broken legs in the incident. To make matters worse, observers at the scene watched in horror as the driver of the vehicle attempted to run over the victim a second time.”
"This is not the first time that young people in the area have been involved in altercations with British Army personnel who have come into the town to socialise. We in Newcastle Ógra have in the past warned that Newcastle should be out of bounds to the British army and this incident underlines the reason why.”
”Our MLA Willie Clarke has spoken with the PSNI and we have serious concerns that as yet nobody has been charged with any offence. I understand that the PSNI have to obtain evidence from CCTV and witnesses, however it is appalling that the PSNI have released these British soldiers while the investigation is ongoing.”
"We in Newcastle Ógra Shinn Féin will be hosting a Demilitarisation protest outside the Ballykinlar army camp in January and this incident is a perfect example of one of the reasons why we are calling for the removal of the foreign military base in the area. It is a disgrace that young people in the Newcastle area are still being harassed by British Army personnel, and this has to stop.”
“I it is my understanding that a number of individuals witnessed this crime and I am encouraging anyone with information to come forward to the PSNI. British military officials also need to cooperate fully with the PSNI investigation and keep their soldiers out of Newcastle and other towns and villages in the District.”
Mr Madine concluded,
“The PSNI need to explain why those involved have been released pending further investigation; when witness statements are going to be taken and when will the accused be formally interviewed and charged.”
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