Ardoyne Man Cleared of Drugs Charges

I have been asked to publish the following letter by the McDonnell Family from Ardoyne. They want as many people as possible to know that their son, brother and father, Tucker was arrested, charged and criminalised because of his friendship with Republican Activists, anyone who thinks this case is a one off has to question just how civil the RUC/PSNI actually are? I recall another CFAD Activist who was photographed actually disposing of dangerous drugs by the Irish News, the paper was contacted the following day by them who wanted the story released to them so they could charge him...The same man has recently received a letter from the DHSS stating that he owes them a few hundred pound, despite the fact that he has worked legitimate for years and has never applied for nor was given a loan by the DHSS...

Political Policing is alive and well in Republican communities like Ardoyne. It could be argued that the above two cases are isolated and even rare..However, the recent Show Trial involving, GARC Activists and supporters. As well as, the Non-Jury Trial of Collie Duffy and Brian Shivers prove that Republican Activists are targeted and criminalised on a widespread basis.




"Dear Family, Friends and wider community, my name is Tucker McDonnell. I have been the victim of an injustice and I would like to make everyone aware of the background of my plight.

On June 8th last year (2011), I was contacted by a third party who believed that I, being a member of Concerned Families Against Drugs (CFAD) could dispose of a substance that he thought was cocaine. My intentions was to take this substance out of circulation, as has been done on numerous occasions by CFAD, using the Church as a conduit for such disposal.

Within an hour of recieving this substance, the PSNI rammed into my home, taking the front door of the hinges. They ransacked my house and confiscated money, that belonged to Staff in my Taxi Depot.

They discovered the package that had been handed to me for safe disposal. They put out a warrant for my arrest, because I was not at home. At the time, I was in contact with fellow members of CFAD to seek advice on how to dispose of the drugs.

My Solicitor, contacted the PSNI to inform them that he and I would attend the Police Station, the following morning. The PSNI agreed to this, but for some bizzare reason they decided to send a huge raiding party to arrest me at my Caravan and to make a scene.

On January 18 2012, I appeared in Court and the Judge ordered that all charges against me be withdrawn unconditionally. It appears according to the forensic report, that the substance was nothing but innocent teething powder, which the PSNI was aware of, just two days after my arrest. Yet, I was held for five weeks in prison and refused bail, on the instructions of the Police.

Thankfully, I had the support of my family, friends in CFAD and Fr. Gary Donnegan who was a character witness for me. It saddens and worries me to look back at the villification I and my family recieved from members of our own community. Who were quite happy to believe the PSNI’s spurious charges. It beggars belief that some even taunted my children at School.

This whole escapade clearly was designed to criminalise myself and my friends. I urge the Republican community be wary of such sting operations that these people are still engaged in.

Finally, I thank all those who believed in my innocence and stood behind myself and my family".

Thomas (Tucker) McDonnell, Ardoyne.