Judge who led Robert Hamill Inquiry dies before report publication

Sir Edwin Jowitt was appointed in 2004 to lead the inquiry into the sectarian killing of the 25-year-old Portadown man, who died after being attacked by a mob in April 1997.

He stepped down as chairman in October 2024 after the government confirmed he was “unable to continue” in the role. He was succeeded by Sir John Evans.

Mr Hamill died in hospital two weeks after the attack. It was alleged that four RUC officers were in a nearby vehicle when the assault took place but failed to intervene.

Six people were charged with his murder, although the Public Prosecution Service later withdrew charges against five.

The inquiry was established after retired Canadian judge Peter Cory reviewed five controversial killings in which collusion was alleged. In 2001, he recommended public inquiries into the murders of Belfast solicitor Pat Finucane, LVF leader Billy Wright, Lurgan solicitor Rosemary Nelson and Mr Hamill.

Although the inquiry completed its report in 2010, publication was delayed after three people were charged with perverting the course of justice. It was agreed the report would not be submitted to the Secretary of State or published until the criminal proceedings had concluded.

Earlier this month, Secretary of State Hilary Benn said the report would be published shortly after Parliament’s summer recess.

Sir Edwin, a former High Court judge from Derbyshire, is survived by his five children.