The 19-year-old was murdered as he walked along the Floral Road in north Belfast on his way home after a night out
There were significant failings in the PSNI investigation into the murder of a young father in Belfast in 2002, but no evidence of collusive behaviours, Police Ombudsman Marie Anderson has said.
Mrs Anderson said: “Sectarian tensions were high in north Belfast on the night of July 21-22 2002 and although police resources were undoubtedly stretched, police and military patrols continued in interface areas that evening and both police and military vehicle check points were also in place. “Scenes were secured and forensically examined, and police conducted extensive witness and CCTV inquiries in the vicinity of the murder scene, in addition to the route that Mr Lawlor took upon leaving the Bellevue Arms, and potential routes taken by the murderers before, and after, the attack.
– A failure to conduct searches, arrests and interviews in a timely manner as a result of which potential forensic and other evidence may have been lost;– A failure to ensure the continuation of a dedicated family liaison officer; “I have therefore concluded that there is nothing uncovered by this investigation that would support conclusions that there was ‘collusion’ or collusive behaviour on the part of any police officer.”
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