Supergrass phenomenon

The term supergrass is used in Northern Ireland to refer to arrested paramilitaries who divulged the identities of their compatriots to the Royal Ulster Constabulary in exchange for immunity from prosecution, essentially, an informer. In many cases, the supergrasses were granted immunity from prosecution, as well as substantial sums of money. Many convictions based on supergrass testimony were later overturned, and the supergrass system was discontinued in 1985.

Related Topics:
Northern Ireland - Royal Ulster Constabulary - 1985

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The use of the term in Northern Ireland began with the arrest of Christopher Black in 1981. After securing assurances that he would have protection from prosecution, Black gave statements which lead to 38 arrests. On 5 August 1983, 22 members of the Provisional IRA were sentenced to a total of 4,000 years in prison based on Black's testimony. (18 of these convictions were overturned on appeal on 17 July 1986.)

Related Topics:
Northern Ireland - 1981 - 5 August - 1983 - Provisional IRA - 17 July - 1986

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By the end of 1982, 25 more 'supergrasses' had surfaced, contributing to the arrests of over 600 people from paramilitary organizations such as the Provisional IRA, the Irish National Liberation Army and the Ulster Volunteer Force.

Related Topics:
Irish National Liberation Army - Ulster Volunteer Force

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On 11 April 1983, 14 members of the loyalist Ulster Volunteer Force were jailed on the evidence of supergrass Joseph Bennett. These convictions were all overturned on 24 December 1984. The last supergrass trial finished on 18 December 1985, when 25 members of the INLA were jailed on the evidence of Harry Kirkpatrick. 24 of these convictions were overturned on 23 December 1986.

Related Topics:
11 April - Loyalist - 24 December - 1984 - 18 December - 23 December

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The term is derived from the slang word "grass", meaning a police informer.

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