Billy Wright

The Billy Wright Inquiry was established to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of William Stephen Wright, also known as Billy Wright, a prominent loyalist paramilitary leader. He was assassinated on December 27, 1997, while imprisoned at the Maze Prison in Northern Ireland. The inquiry aimed to uncover any failings by the prison authorities or other agencies that may have contributed to his death.

Billy Wright was the leader of the Loyalist Volunteer Force (LVF) and had been incarcerated for his involvement in paramilitary activities. While in prison, he was placed in H Block 6, a high-security unit. On the day of his assassination, three members of the Irish National Liberation Army (INLA) managed to gain access to his wing and shot him multiple times.

The inquiry examined various aspects, including prison security measures, the management of paramilitary prisoners, and the interactions between different factions within the prison. It sought to determine whether there was any collusion or negligence on the part of the prison authorities or other agencies.

The inquiry found several significant failings. It concluded that the prison authorities had not adequately addressed the risks posed by housing rival paramilitary groups in close proximity. It highlighted shortcomings in security measures, such as the failure to properly monitor movements within the prison and the lack of effective barriers between different wings.

Additionally, the inquiry examined the role of intelligence agencies and whether they had prior knowledge of the assassination plot. While it did not find conclusive evidence of collusion, it criticized the lack of effective communication and information sharing between agencies.

The report also addressed concerns about the management of paramilitary prisoners and the potential for violence within the prison. It called for improvements in security measures, better coordination between agencies, and more robust oversight of high-risk prisoners.

In conclusion, the Billy Wright Inquiry shed light on the serious failings that contributed to his assassination. It highlighted the need for improved security measures, better management of paramilitary prisoners, and enhanced coordination between agencies to prevent similar incidents in the future. The inquiry's findings aimed to ensure accountability and drive reforms within the prison system to enhance safety and security.