Prominent Tyrone solicitor speaks for first time after being cleared of perverting course of justice

Patrick Mallon, a senior partner in one of Tyrone’s largest legal firms, Mallon & Mallon Solicitors, which he founded in 1991, has spoken publicly for the first time following the dramatic development in the case.

The leading local lawyer said he will be lodging a “serious complaint” with the Ombudsman about the matter and would continue to look at seeking legal redress.

At Dungannon Magistrates Court on Friday past, 22 January, Mr Mallon was cleared of any charges brought against him in respect of an allegation that he had perverted the course of justice in February 2012.

During a Preliminary Investigation the Court heard evidence from three witnesses in respect of Mr Mallon and his co-accused, Coalisland priest Fr Joe Quinn.

Fr Quinn was returned to the Crown Court for Trial but the Judge Mr Peter King commented that there was “no evidence whatsoever given against Mr Mallon”.

A defence application to have the charges against Mr Mallon dismissed in their entirety was granted.

Speaking about the result, Patrick Mallon said: “Upon receiving the proceedings in this matter I never had any doubt but that I would be completely exonerated and I indicated this to the Court almost one year ago.

“The court has now thrown all charges out against me and I have been completely exonerated in respect of what I believe was a malicious prosecution against me and ultimately a shocking waste of tax payers’ money.

“I will be lodging a serious complaint with the ombudsman and I am currently carefully considering my options in regard to seeking legal redress.”