An investigation into the death of Jean Smyth-Campbell in 1972

Ms Smyth-Campbell was shot dead while sitting in a car on the Glen Road in west Belfast on 8 June, 1972.

Mr Boutcher was asked to lead the investigation on request of Police Service Northern Ireland (PSNI) following a meeting between PSNI Chief Constable Sir George Hamilton and the family and representatives of Jean Smyth-Campbell in June 2019.

Sir George said: “I recognise the frustration of Jean’s family and representatives at the lack of progress in this case, and I am deeply sorry there were previous investigative failures into the circumstances surrounding her death.

“Without prejudice to my intention to seek leave to appeal elements of the McQuillan Judgment, I have now directed that an effective and practically independent investigation, with the capacity to be Article 2 ECHR compliant, begins into the death of Mrs Jean Smyth-Campbell. This will be led by the outgoing Chief Constable of Bedfordshire Police Jon Boutcher.

“The incoming PSNI Chief Constable Simon Byrne will retain responsibility for and accountability to the Northern Ireland Policing Board (NIPB) with Chief Constable Jon Boutcher as the officer in overall charge of the investigation, attending meetings of the NIPB alongside the Chief Constable of PSNI when required."

You can find all the latest updates on the investigation on this website.