Question
Can the Chief Constable provide a full explanation of the PSNI decision not to release information requested by media following a high profile murder case in which a guilty verdict was reached.
Answer
On Wednesday 5 July 2023, the Police Service issued a statement following the sentencing of THOMAS RAINEY for the murder of KATRINA RAINEY, a copy of which is provided in this briefing note.
Police received a request for a custody photograph of Thomas Rainey following his sentencing on 5 July 2023.
All requests by media are considered by the Police Service on a case-by-case basis by application of the Police Service Instruction read in conjunction with the relevant statutory provisions. The release of a custody photograph is expressly regulated by statute in Northern Ireland. In relation to the subject request, after full consideration, it was concluded that release of the photograph did not meet any statutory objective.
The request was declined and the following response was provided to the media queries:
“Following discussions with the Senior Investing Officer it has been determined there is no lawful policing purpose to release the custody image.”
In response to media queries received by the Northern Ireland Policing Board from the same journalist, the Police Service shared the media response with the Policing Board, along with a copy of the published Media policy.
Police Service policy
The Police Service of Northern Ireland policy in relation to Media is contained within Service Instruction SI0218, published on the Police Service website and accessible via the following link Media Guidelines 4 July 2023.pdf (psni.police.uk).
Press statement: Sentencing of THOMAS RAINEY for the murder of KATRINA RAINEY
On Wednesday 5 July 2023, the Police Service issued the following statement:
Thomas Rainey was sentenced today, Wednesday 5 July, for the murder of his wife, Katrina Rainey.
The 61-year-old, appearing before Belfast Crown Court, was sentenced to life in prison having previously pleaded guilty to murder. He must serve a minimum of 18 years before being able to apply for release.
Katrina Rainey died after being trapped inside a car that became engulfed in flames outside her home in Maghera on 12 October 2021.
Detective Inspector Hazel Miller said: “Mother-of-six Katrina Rainey died a horrific death after being trapped inside a car that became engulfed in flames.
“Mrs Rainey was in the car, with her seatbelt on, about to leave for work that morning. Thomas Rainey opened the passenger door; he threw flammable liquid over his wife; and set her alight.
“On arrival at the scene, officers, along with other emergency services, found Katrina outside the burnt vehicle, having sustained severe and extensive burns to her body. She was taken to hospital but, sadly, later died from her injuries”.
Detective Inspector Miller continued: “Katrina Rainey, who was 53 years old, was a caring and loving mother; and her children, and wider family circle, have experienced unimaginable grief and anguish. They are still trying to come to terms with losing their loved one in such horrific circumstances.
“Today, thanks to our dedicated investigation team and working in partnership with our colleagues in the Public Prosecution Service, the defendant has been held accountable for his actions. Actions that were deliberate and shocking; and which have left a family shattered.
“While today’s sentencing signifies the end of the judicial process, I know that Katrina’s family will be walking away with the heaviest of hearts. My thoughts remain firmly with them.”
John Blair - Alliance