Prime suspect in Yvonne Fletcher murder case could finally face court, as today marks 35 years since her death
- Saleh Ibrahim Mabrouk may be called to give evidence in civil case at High Court
- Libyan Mabrouk was arrested in 2015 but case was dropped two years later
- WPC Fletcher was shot dead at Libyan embassy in a crime that outraged Britain
The chief suspect in the Yvonne Fletcher murder case may finally appear in court, it has been revealed.
Lawyers representing John Murray, the police officer who held WPC Fletcher in his arms as she died, served civil proceedings papers this week on Saleh Ibrahim Mabrouk – the prime suspect for her murder.
The civil case could involve the Government revealing evidence against Mabrouk, who was a close aide to former Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi, The Daily Telegraph reported.
WPC Fletcher was gunned down outside the Libyan embassy in London in 1984 in a crime that sent shockwaves across the UK
Today marks the 35th anniversary of Miss Fletcher’s death. The policewoman was shot dead outside the Libyan embassy in London in 1984.
The newspaper said that after a confidential review of the murder in 2007, it was concluded that the shooting was pre-arranged.
Mabrouk, who lives in Berkshire after claiming asylum in the UK in 2011, was arrested in 2015 in connection with the murder but was told two years later the case would not go forward.
In 2017, the Metropolitan Police told the Home Office they believed they had enough evidence to bring someone to court, saying: ‘Our investigation has identified enough material to identify those responsible for WPC Fletcher’s murder if it could be presented to a court.
‘However, the key material has not been made available for use in court in evidential form for reasons of national security.’ Mr Murray, who is launching a crowdfunding appeal to help pay his legal bills, wants to know who is responsible for Miss Fletcher’s murder.
Saleh Ibrahim Mabrouk was arrested in 2015 in connection with the murder but was told two years later the case would not go forward. He has claimed asylum in the UK since 2011
He said: ‘Mabrouk has always denied any part in Yvonne’s murder. I want to know who was responsible and why the Government has blocked their prosecution.
‘It is a stain on our country and on British justice that suspected murderers of a police officer can be allowed to evade justice. It is a scandal that our own Government has helped them to do so. This is Yvonne’s last hope for justice.
He added: ‘I am seeking nominal damages of £1 – but what I hope to achieve is that we finally learn the truth about Yvonne’s murder.’
The High Court civil case seeks to get answers from Mabrouk about the events of that day.
Matthew Jury, who is representing Mr Murray, said: ‘This may be the last chance to bring the chief suspect to court.’
A woman who was at Mabrouk’s address in Berkshire, told the Telegraph she was his former partner, adding: ‘He left the country for ever. We are separated now but he has left. I have no idea where he went.’
The Home Office said it could not comment on the case, but in a statement released to coincide with today’s anniversary, a spokesman for Miss Fletcher’s family said: ‘Not a day goes by when she is not in our thoughts and of course the other people who were injured on that day.’
Minister for Policing, Nick Hurd, said: ‘I have enormous respect for the brave men and women of our police forces and particularly for those who have given their lives in service to the wider public. I remain shocked by the senseless murder of WPC Fletcher and my thoughts today are with her loved ones.’
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