A fresh inquest into the death of a Derry mother-of-six shot dead in her own garden over 40 years ago will take place in the city later this year.
Kathleen Thompson was killed at her Rathlin Drive home in Creggan by a bullet fired by a British soldier on November 6, 1971.
Shortly after midnight on that date, members of the Royal Green Jacket Regiment carried out a raid on a house in Rathlin Drive.
During the raid, a soldier, identified only as Soldier ‘D’, admitted firing eight rounds from his high velocity SLR rifle while in the area, directing shots into the rear of 129 Rathlin Drive.
Shortly after the raid Mrs Thompson, who was 47, was found dead in the rear in her home, killed by a single high velocity bullet which had struck her in the chest.
Neither Soldier ‘D’, nor any of the other soldiers who were with him at the time of the incident, were interviewed by the RUC after the shooting, a task which was instead delegated by the RUC to the Royal Military Police (RMP).
A decision not to prosecute Soldier ‘D’ was then taken by the then Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) on August 4, 1972.
An inquest was held into Mrs Thompson’s death on November 2, 1972 before Major Hubert O’Neill, Coroner, where an open verdict was returned.
‘Soldier D’ did not attend the inquest.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Billy McGreanery's Killing Followed Quickly After IRA Shooting Dead Of British Soldier
The overall political and security situation in Derry in 1971 was highly tense. By this point, the Troubles had been raging for three years and if anything the analysis was that things were set to deteriorate further.
Entrepreneur Raises A Glass To His New Ale Business Venture
A craft beer expert with a passion for brewing his very own home-made ales has turned his dream of launching his very own range of beers into a reality thanks to the Go For It Programme, in association with Derry City and Strabane District Council.
'The Justice We Deserve Is In The Hands Of The State'
Relatives of British Army victim speak out
'We weren't waiting to get married'
Two young women who married across the border this summer have said that while this week's implementation of same-sex marriage legislation is welcome, they were never going to wait for the law to catch up with them or their plans to wed.
'Tell us what you did to Kayden'
Family appeal to toddler's killer to 'come clean
100 Choirs Descend For International Choir Festival In The City Of Song
Groups from Mexico, Brazil, North Macedonia, Italy, France, Norway, Portugal and Iceland to compete
Hope Macaulay Brings Technicolour Dream World To Derry's Fashion Fest
One thing you can say about local fashion designer Hope Macaulay’s work is that it certainly catches the eye!
Planned Developments At Creggan GAA Club A 'Positive Step' For Creggan
Upcoming developments at Sean Dolan's GAC in Creggan have been described as a positive step for the community.
Christmas Parties At City Hotel Derry
The countdown is now on with just over two months to go to the Christmas party season and where better to plan your festive celebrations than the 4* City Hotel Derry!
Young Hero Award For Derry's Megan
Foyle First Responder Sean Dillon named Local Legend
