Judge to rule next week on Drumcree parade ban legal challenge

Summarised from 2 outlets · 11 reports · Updated 20 Oct, 23:08 · Archive

A High Court judge will decide next week whether to overturn the secretary of state's ban on the Drumcree parade.

A High Court judge concluded hearings into a legal challenge against the secretary of state's ban on the Drumcree parade, with Mr Justice Scoffield to rule next week. The challenge was brought by a member of the Portadown Orange lodge after Sir Chris Bryant intervened to overturn the Parades Commission's approval of the march.

Sir Chris's barrister, Philip McAteer, told the court the secretary of state acted on security advice after the Parades Commission determination could not be given effect based on police guidance by 9 October. Police Chief Constable Jon Boutcher wrote to Sir Chris stating that all available, lawful and proportionate options to facilitate the parade had been exhausted, and remaining options would require substantial public order intervention carrying unacceptable risks of serious injury, disorder and contagion across Northern Ireland.

Denise Kiley KC, representing Garvaghy Road residents, argued the secretary of state's decision was lawful. The court heard that police intelligence suggested dissidents may have mounted gun attacks on officers had they cleared a path for the parade. Talks had broken down after both parties refused to compromise on the proposed route, though the Belfast Telegraph reports that Portadown District made offers including a 4am march accommodated by residents' protest.

How it is being reported

• Portadown District’s offers to secure Drumcree parade deal revealed in courtOffers made by Portadown District to allow Orangemen to walk the Garvaghy Road have been revealed in court – including a 4AM march, accommodated by a residents’ protest.The court has finished hearing submissions during the legal challenge to the Secretary of State’s ban on the Drumcree parade. Mr Justice Scoffield is to deliver his judgement next week.Talks broke down after both parties refused to compromise on the proposed route. Olivia Peden is joined by Allison Morris who was in court.Belfast Telegraph · 20 Oct, 16:59
• Portadown District’s offers to secure Drumcree deal revealed as Parades Commission approves 10,000-person rally in townScroll down to read our live coverage of the Drumcree disputeBelfast Telegraph · 20 Oct, 14:30
• Court to rule on Drumcree parade challenge next week as Portadown District’s offers to secure deal are revealedScroll down to read our live coverage of the Drumcree disputeBelfast Telegraph · 20 Oct, 14:30
• Portadown District’s offers to secure Drumcree deal revealed as Parades Commission approves 10,000 people rally in townScroll down to read our live coverage of the Drumcree disputeBelfast Telegraph · 20 Oct, 14:30
• Judge to rule on Drumcree High Court legal challenge next weekThe legal challenge was brought by a member of the Portadown Orange lodge.BBC Northern Ireland · 20 Oct, 13:12
• Parades Commission not yet notified about weekend Portadown rally as Drumcree case back in courtScroll down to read our live coverage of the Drumcree disputeBelfast Telegraph · 20 Oct, 10:01
• Orangemen’s court challenge over block on Drumcree parade continues todayScroll down to read our live coverage of the Drumcree disputeBelfast Telegraph · 20 Oct, 10:01
• Portadown District’s offers to secure deal on parade along Garvaghy Road are revealed in courtScroll down to read our live coverage of the Drumcree disputeBelfast Telegraph · 20 Oct, 10:01
• Details of intelligence considered by Chief Constable around Drumcree parade outlined during Orangemen’s court challengeScroll down to read our live coverage of the Drumcree disputeBelfast Telegraph · 19 Oct, 13:30
• Orangemen’s legal challenge over block on Drumcree parade under way at High CourtScroll down to read our live coverage of the Drumcree disputeBelfast Telegraph · 19 Oct, 09:45
• Orangemen’s legal challenge over block on Drumcree parade to be heard at High CourtScroll down to read our live coverage of the Drumcree disputeBelfast Telegraph · 19 Oct, 09:45

In this story: Sir Chris Bryant · Portadown Orange lodge · Garvaghy Road · Northern Ireland · Drumcree · Police Service of Northern Ireland

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