A former Director of Public Prosecutions for England and Wales has been appointed to lead the review into the prosecution cases arising from the rape of Maíria Cahill.

The North's DPP Barra McGrory has confirmed that a review of three cases will be headed by Sir Keir Starmer. Sir Keir will review three cases linked to Maíria Cahill.

Miss Cahill says she was raped as a teenager by a Republican and that the IRA covered up the abuse. Ms Cahill also alleges that the IRA staged a ‘kanagaroo court’ to resolve the issue, during which she was face to face with her abuser.

Five people accused in connection with the abuse were all acquitted when Maíria Cahill withdrew her evidence.

Sir Keir has served as the Crown Prosecution Service and director f public prosecutions for England and Wales from 2008-2013. He has previously worked in Northern Ireland as an advisor to the Northern Ireland Policing Board.

The BBC reports that Northern Ireland's Director of Public Prosecutions, Barra McGrory, said Sir Keir will "conduct an independent review of the prosecutorial systems and processes in relation to three interlinked cases involving sex abuse and terrorist-related charges".

"These cases have been the subject of much public commentary with significant concerns raised.

"I consider that it is right to have an independent review to maintain and build public confidence in the criminal justice system and in particular the Public Prosecution Service,” McGrory said.

Sir Keir said: "I am very pleased to have been asked to lead this review. I have been privileged to have spent considerable time in Northern Ireland and have a tremendous respect for its people.

"I will approach this important task with rigorous independence and an open mind."