Police officers accused of giving false statements

Three police officers have been charged with perverting the course of justice. John Law, Amanda McIvor and Gareth Rankin are accused of giving false statements of events which are believed to have occurred on March 16, 2013 outside public premises in Magherafelt. All three defendants’ addresses were given on court papers as Magherafelt PSNI Station. Law and Rankin are further charged with common assault. These charges are alleged to have arisen out of the same incident. Magherafelt Magistrates’ Court heard this morning that McIvor is expecting a child and is due to give birth around May 24. A defence barrister told the court that the female officer had expressed hope that the case would have been dealt with before the birth. However commenting on the case, District Judge Alan White said: “These things can take a short time or they can take a long time.” The case was adjourned for two weeks when a date will be fixed for hearing.