CONFLICT RELATED DEATHS
1997

Date

Name

Age

Sex

Reli-gion

Affili-ation

Alleged Perpe-trator

Location Town / Area

Location County / Country

Details

Category

Arrests / Prosecutions

Sources

03-Feb-97

Larry McCartan

79

M

C

Civilian

Unknown

Laurencetown

Co Down

An SDLP councillor on the Banbridge District Council. Mr McCartan suffered a heart attack while he and his wife were evacuated during a hoax bomb alert.[1]

[1] Councillor dies during bomb hoax, by Suzanne Breen, Irish Times, 4 February 1997

12-Feb-97

Stephen Restorick

23

M

U

Army

IRA

Bessbrook

Co Armagh

Soldier shot in the back by a sniper while manning a vehicle checkpoint[1].

In March 1999, an IRA sniper team consisting of Michael Caraher, James McCardle, and Martin Mines, and Bernard McGinn were convicted of offences relating to the killing and other serious offences. Caraher, who shot the gun, McCardle, and Mr Mines were each given 20 years for conspiracy to murder and 20 years for arms possession. There was not enough evidence to try any of them for murder. A 58-year-old man was found not guilty of making a shed available to terrorists.[2] Caraher received a total of 105 years for those and other convictions.  McCardle was sentenced to additional time for the Docklands bombing. McGinn was convicted of the murder of Lance Bombadier Restorick and a large number of other IRA crimes and given concurrent sentences totalling 435 years. Caraher, McCardle, Mines and McGinn were released after 16 months under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement.[3] In October 2000, after he had already been freed, McGinn was cleared of the murder by the Court of Appeal because he was not properly cautioned before he was arrested. [4] In July 2004 the Police Ombudsman investigated allegations by a former undercover soldier that the surveillance team was ordered to stop watching the IRA sniper team 40 minutes before the killing.  The MoD issued a gagging order to prevent further publication of this story, however the Police Ombudsman ordered them to lift it to enable her to communicate with the ex-soldier [5]

[1] ‘Life’ means 16 months in prison for IRA killer, by John Mullin, Guardian, 20 March 1999

[2] IRA terrorist laughs after being convicted of soldier's murder, by Conal Urquhart, Scotsman, 20 March 1999

[3] Short walk to freedom for the last of Maze inmates, by Suzanne Breen, Irish Times, 27 July 2000

[4] Man cleared of murder on appeal, Irish Times, 6 October 2000

[5] Censorship: O'Loan to fight MoD gag order by Liam Clarke, The Sunday Times, 19 September 2004

14-Mar-97

John Slane

44

M

C

Civilian

UDA

West Belfast

Co Antrim

Shot five times in the chest at close range in the kitchen of his home. Loyalist forces revealed that the UDA might be responsible for the killing, but it was a case of mistaken identity. It was believed that the UDA had planned to kill a man with INLA ties who lived in the same area, and the UDA accepted that Mr Slane was completely innocent.[1]

A UDA man in his 20s who was suspected of killing Mr Slane was hiding out in Belfast as of 1998, protected by other loyalists[2]. In February 1998, Gerry Adams accused the RUC of failing to co-operate on investigations of murders by loyalist groups. One example cited was that they refused to release the forensic history of the weapon used to kill Mr Slane.[3]

[1] UDA is blamed for murder of Catholic, by Carmel Robinson, Irish Times, 17 March 1997

[2] Suspect in Bates killing defies UDA, by Henry McDonald, Sunday Times, 6 July 1997; New breed of killers combine gun culture with drug culture, by John Cusack, Irish Times, 24 January 1998

[3] Adams contrasts delay in tackling loyalists with speedy moves for Sinn Féin indictment, by Mark Brennock, Irish Times, 18 February 1998

24-Mar-97

Rev. David Templeton

43

M

P

Civilian

UVF

North Belfast

Co Antrim

Presbyterian minister who died of a heart attack six weeks after a punishment beating at his home on 7 February 1997. It was alleged that Rev. Templeton was a homosexual because he was caught with a gay pornographic video by customs officials at Aldergrove airport. The UVF was blamed for the attack, which was committed by three men wearing balaclavas and wielding baseball bats with spikes driven through them.[1] In 2002 the murder was re-examined using the latest forensic science techniques [2] In 2004 Johnston Brown (retired detective sergeant) claimed the RUC covered up murders by Mark Haddock, who was identified by Templeton in hospital as the murderer. [3] In October 2005 the Police Ombudsman issued a report implicating 6 special branch officers in a cover-up of more than a dozen UVF murders and failing to act on evidence that linked an informer to at least 8 murders including that of David Templeton [4]

[1] UVF blamed for attack which killed minister, Irish News, 13 November 1997

[2] Fresh DNA mover in NI murders, BBC News Online, 10 July 2002

[3] RUC covered up agent's murders by Liam Clarke, The Sunday Times, 28 March 2004

[4] Special Branch officers linked to UVF murders by Barry McCaffrey, Irish News, 27 October 2005

08-May-97

Robert Hamill

25

M

C

Civilian

Loyalists

Portadown

Co Armagh

Died 11 days after he was assaulted by loyalist mob of about 30 in Portadown while four RUC officers in a nearby Land Rover failed to intervene. Mr Hamill was knocked unconscious almost immediately, and never regained consciousness.[1] Hon. Peter Cory, a Canadian judge, is examining this case, along with five others, to determine if an independent inquiry is warranted[2]. In June 2000, a Coroner decided not to hold an inquest because of concern for the safety of witnesses. The following day, the Taoiseach called for an independent judicial inquiry into the killing.[3] In the internal investigation, the officer suspected of providing advice to the killer was suspended and then released from service, two officers were disciplined internally, and two other high-ranking officers were believed to be part of the investigation[4].

Six men were initially charged with the killing, but only one man, Marc Hobson (22), stood trial. He was acquitted of murder in March 1999 because the judge felt it was impossible to be satisfied of his guilt, but was convicted and jailed for committing an affray.[5] He served only 6 weeks in jail[6]. In April 2001, the new Police Ombudsman ordered the arrest of seven people, but they were all released the following day[7]. Evidence has emerged that an RUC officer gave one of the killers advice on how to dispose of evidence in a telephone call shortly following the murder. James and Andrea McKee pleaded guilty to perverting the course of justice by falsely claiming to have made the call to protect the officer. They were sentenced to 6 months’ imprisonment and 6 months suspended sentence, respectively.[8] In 2003, the DPP decided to prosecute the officer, his wife, and a 52-year-old man for perverting the course of justice by giving false information relating to the call.[9] Following Judge Cory's 2003 report, the British government ordered a public inquiry into the murder in 2004.  The inquiry opened in April 2005 and was chaired by former High Court judge Sir Edwin Jowitt.  It was adjourned in May 2005 [10]

[1] Getting to the truth behind Hamill death, by Gerry Moriarty, Irish Times, 28 December 2002

[2] Getting to the truth behind Hamill death, by Gerry Moriarty, Irish Times, 28 December 2002

[3] Ahern calls for inquiry into Hamill murder, by Frank McNally, Irish Times, 9 June 2000

[4] Officers face rap for work in killing, by Sharon O’Neill, Irish News, 18 June 2003

[5] Man acquitted of Portadown murder during loyalist mob attack, Irish Times, 26 March 1999

[6] A hair's length from despair, by Jim Dee, Boston Herald, 11 June 2000

[7] Hamill detainees freed on police bail, by Suzanne Breen, Irish Times, 12 April 2001

[8] Getting to the truth behind the Hamill death, by Gerry Moriarty, Irish Times, 28 December 2002

[9] Former RUC man among three on Hamill charges, by Sharon O’Neill, Irish News, 4 July 2003

[10 ] Hamill murder inquiry adjourned, BBC News Online, 24 May 2005

09-May-97

Darren Bradshaw

24

M

P

RUC

INLA

Belfast city centre

Co Antrim

Off-duty RUC officer who was shot several times at close range by two gunmen in a crowded gay bar. INLA admitted the murder two days later.[1]

[1] INLA claims gay bar killing, Irish Times, 11 May 1997

12 May 97

Sean Brown

61

M

C

Civilian

LVF

Randalstown

Co Antrim

GAA Manager shot by the LVF early in the morning on the day in which Darren Bradshaw was buried. Brown was abducted from Bellaghy, where he was locking up the GAA club after a meeting, and taken 10 miles to Co Antrim, where Bradshaw was buried. Police blamed the LVF for the killing.[1] The murder weapon used was the same gun used to kill John McColgan in January 1998[2]. The Irish News reported that Mark Fulton was implicated in the killing, however he was questioned and released without charged [3]. In January 2004 the Police Ombudsman issued a report on the police investigation into the murder saying it was inadequate and "no earnest effort was made to identify those who had carried out the murder" [4] In June 2005 Crimewatch UK launched an appeal to catch the killers using a reconstruction [5] In August 2005 police made several arrests under terrorist legislation and proceeds of crime legislation but all were released [6]

[1] Horror at cold-blooded murder of GAA official, by Seamus McKinney, Irish News, 14 May 1997

[2] Gun victim’s wife lodges complaint against RUC, by Martin Anderson, Irish News, 27 March 1999

[3] Fulton linked to 12 sectarian killings, by Sharon O’Neill, Irish News, 11 June 2002

[4] RUC made no effort to find loyalist murderers, Independent Online, 20 January 2004

[5]  Eames, Heaney in TV murder plea, by Jonathan McCambridge, The Belfast Telegraph, 9 June 2005

[6] Ex-UDR soldiers 'quizzed on GAA murder, by Jonathan McCambridge, The Belfast Telegraph, 9 August 2005

Harbinson was kidnapped from York Rd, handcuffed, beaten and left to die in an alleyway [1]

A well known UVF informer was alleged to be involved in his murder.  He is also alleged to be responsible for the murder of twelve others including Raymond McCord [2]

The Police Ombudsman is due to report on the role of collusion in the murder of Harbinson and several others. [3]

[1] RUC appeal, 19 May 1999

[2] Police spy murdered thirteen, News of the World, 04 May 2003

[3] Widow is charged with man's murder, Irish News, 22 May 1997

[3] Former detective says Special Branch protected UVF informer, Irish News, 28 October 2005

01-Jun-97

Gregory Taylor

41

M

P

RUC

Loyalists

Ballymoney

Co Antrim

Off-duty RUC man who left a bar at 1:15 a.m., then was pursued by a group of 12-15 men and kicked to death. The mob was supposedly Loyalists angry at the RUC for re-routing an Apprentice Boys parade through nearby Dunloy two weeks earlier.[1]

Eight men were accused of the murder. Two men, Leslie Henry (31) and Alistair Stevenson (31), were convicted of the murder and sentenced to life imprisonment. Two other men, Shane Brown (25) and Trevor MacLaughlin (25), admitted manslaughter and were sentenced to four years in prison.[2] Four men were acquitted of murder; two of them were also cleared of causing an affray, while two, Jason Wilmont (20) and Daniel Stewart (33) were granted bail after pleading guilty to causing an affray[3]. The two men convicted of murder, who lost the appeal of their convictions in 1999, were released in 2000 under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement.[4]

[1] RUC arrests five loyalist bandsmen after killing, by Michael O’Toole, Irish News, 3 June 1997

[2] RUC man’s ‘killers should not be freed’, by Jonathan Turner, Irish News, 24 December 1998

[3] Four acquitted in constable case, by Liz Trainor, Irish News, 8 December 1998

[4] Loyalist prisoners, by Eithne Donnellan, Irish Times, 29 July 2000

04-Jun-97

John Morris

26

M

C

INLA

An Garda Síochána

Dublin

Republic of Ireland

Armed robber, member of INLA, who died when shot by gardai. He was shot in the head and chest, holding a cocked handgun that was not loaded.[1] Three men were later jailed for the robbery in which Morris was killed[2].

Gardai were required to testify at the inquest, but were granted anonymity in September 1998 by the Dublin City Coroner. This ruling was overturned in October 1999 by the High Court, which ruled that coroners do not have the power to make this decision. The Supreme Court then upheld the coroner’s decision in July 2000, ruling that gardai can give evidence behind screens.[3] The inquest was begun on 27 June 2001, but Mr Morris’s parents withdrew because they claimed documents had been withheld from them. The jury returned a finding on 28 June 2001 that Mr Morris was fatally injured by a single bullet wound to the head and died the next day.[4]

[1] INLA warns gardai after shot robber dies, by Jim Cusack, Irish Times, 6 June 1997

[2] Three jailed for robbery in which man was shot dead, Irish Times, 11 March 1998

[3] Court decides gardai can give evidence behind screens, Irish Times, 18 July 2000

[4] Gardai say they shot gunman for aiming at them, by Judith Crosbie, Irish Times, 29 June 2001

11-Jun-97

Robert (Bobby) ‘Basher’ Bates

48

M

P

UVF

UDA

North Belfast

Co Antrim

Mr Bates, a notorious member of the Shankill Butchers who was released from prison eight months earlier as a born again Christian, was shot at his workplace, the Ex-Prisoners Interpretive Centre, presumably in a revenge killing that was part of the UDA/UVF feud[1]. Mr Bates was reportedly killed in revenge for the murder of a Shankill road UDA man, James Moorhead, in 1977[2]. The person suspected of killing Mr Bates joined the LVF in late 1997 or early 1998[3]. The UVF attempted to kill the suspected murderer in a June 1999 gun attack[4].

Loyalist feud

[1] Loyalists fear ‘mad dog’ killer has joined LVF death squads, by Henry McDonald, Observer, 4 January 1998

[2] Loyalists ‘will avenge’ RUC men’s deaths, by Jim Cusack, Irish Times, 21 June 1997

[3] Loyalists fear ‘mad dog’ killer has joined LVF death squads, by Henry McDonald, Observer, 4 January 1998

[4] UVF ‘probably guilty’ of gun attack, by Paul McKillion, Irish News, 16 June 1999

16-Jun-97

Roland John Graham

34

M

P

RUC

IRA

Lurgan

Co Armagh

One of two RUC officers shot in the head at close range from behind while on the beat. The killing was claimed by the north Armagh brigade of the IRA.[1]

A 29-year-old man was charged with the killings nine days later, but was released on 3 October 1997 after the case collapsed amid controversy. The same man had previously served three and a half years of a life sentence for the 1993 murder of an off-duty officer, John Lyness, before being freed on appeal.[2] A 2002 newspaper story alleged that the killer is believed to be a former IRA operative who defected to the Real IRA sometime in 2002[3].

[1] RIRA threat 'at highest since Omagh', by Liam Clarke, Sunday Times, 4 August 2002

[2] Murder scene revisited, by Liz Trainor, Irish News, 16 June 1998

[3] RIRA threat 'at highest since Omagh', by Liam Clarke, Sunday Times, 4 August 2002

16-Jun-97

David Johnston

30

M

P

RUC

IRA

Lurgan

Co Armagh

RUC officer killed alongside Roland John Graham while on patrol[1]. (see above)

(see above)

[1] Lost Lives, no. 3564

07-Jul-97

Brian Morton

28

M

P

UDA

Self inflicted

South Belfast

Co Antrim

UDA member killed near his home while handling a pipe-bomb that prematurely exploded[1].

[1] UDA bomb accident victim is buried, Irish News, 12 July 1997

15-Jul-97

Bernadette Martin

18

F

C

Civilian

LVF

Aghalee

Co Antrim

Catholic woman shot dead by a man in a balaclava as she slept at her Protestant boyfriend’s house[1].

Trevor McKeown (39) was convicted of the murder in 1999. He appealed the conviction for the murder and for possession of the murder weapon, but lost the appeal. The murder weapon was allegedly also used in the murder of taxi driver Michael McGoldrick.[2] Trevor McKeown's brother (Clifford McKeown) was later charged with the murder of Michael McGoldrick (08/07/1997)

[1] I cradled Bernadette in arms: boyfriend, Irish News, 17 March 1999

[2] Loyalist killer loses appeals, Belfast Telegraph, 20 September 2001

[3] Loyalist guilty of taxi murder, BBC News Online, 20 March 2003

24-Jul-97

James Morgan

16

M

C

Civilian

LVF

Castlewellan

Co Down

Abducted, beaten to death with a hammer, burned, and found three days later in a water-filled pit on a farm. The pit contained animal carcasses, and it was revealed that a mechanical digger was used to pile more carcasses on top of his mutilated body.[1]

Norman James Coopey (27) was convicted of murdering James Morgan in January 1999. He had an IQ of 74.  [1] At the time he belonged to the Orange Order was later accepted into the LVF [2]  In March 1999, he applied for early release under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement.[3] He was released from prison on 28 July 2000 after 18 months in prison[3].

[1] Digger used in murder of schoolboy, by Louise McCall, Irish News, 4 August 1997

[2] Don’t free my boy’s killer, by Martin Anderson, Irish News, 2 March 1999

[3] Prisoner releases: Some smiled, others covered their heads, by John Mullin, Guardian, 29 July 2000

01-Aug-97

Stuart Hunter

24

M

P

Civilian

Loyalists

Larne

Co Antrim

Bludgeoned to death with an axe yards from his home, supposedly because he had reported an assault to the police three months earlier[1].

Loyalist feud?

David Joseph Campbell (21) and John Maloney (20) pleaded guilty to manslaughter in February 1999. They were jailed for five years and given one year probation on their release. The Belfast Crown Court said that the men were under the influence of a third man, whose name could not be released for legal reasons, who actually carried out the act. He was originally charged with the murder, but was released for lack of evidence.[2]

[1] Judge jails men who helped ‘evil killer’, Irish News, 25 March 1999

[2] Judge jails men who helped ‘evil killer’, Irish News, 25 March 1999

26-Sep-97

Brian O'Rawe

26

M

P

Civilian

Loyalists

Newtownards

Co Down

Mr O’Rawe’s body was found in the undergrowth of a Newtownards nature reserve, six weeks after he disappeared from his home[1]. The Deputy Coroner who presided over his inquest concluded it was not possible to determine the cause of death because his body was so badly decomposed. A 38-year-old man who confessed to the murder during informal conversations with the police said he attacked Mr O’Rawe, threw a hatchet at his back as he tried to run away, then strangled him with shoelaces before dumping his body in the nature reserve.[2]

Thomas Maginnis (38)was charged with the murders of Mr O’Rawe, William Elliott, Mark Sweeney, and William Paul, as well as conspiracy to murder and wound, possessing guns, robbery, theft and arson. He had made admissions during secretly recorded conversations with police about the murders, and confessed to some of the murders on being confronted with the taped admission. In October 2000, he was freed by Belfast Crown Court Lord Justice McCollum, who ruled that he would probably not get a fair trial because of inappropriate tactics used by the police in obtaining a confession.[3]

[1] Man faces trial over murders, by Sharon O’Neill, Irish News, 12 January 2000

[2] Inquest told that man was informer, by Anne Madden, Irish News, 14 February 2001

[3] Murder accused freed despite confession, by Anne McClean, Irish News, 2 October 2000

25-Oct-97

Glenn Greer

28

M

P

Former UDA

UDA

Bangor

Co Down

Killed by booby-trap bomb attached to his car which exploded while he was driving along Drumhirk Drive. The bomb contained Powergel, which the UDA had recently acquired. Loyalist Frankie Curry later claimed he had committed the murder.[1]

Loyalist feud

[1] Lost Lives, no. 3568

08-Nov-97

Robert Kerr

54

M

P

Former UDA

LVF?

Newry

Co Down

Blown up by explosion on the Lorna Doon, a 36ft boat sitting on dry land in Newry. The death was reported as being an accident, but his family believes he was murdered.[137]

A 48-year-old man pleaded not guilty to conspiring with Mr Kerr to blow up the boat. At the trial, Mr Kerr’s wife said that Mr Kerr was living in fear of the LVF, and that they had been attacked and their home was burned down in the months leading to his death.[138]

[1] Loyalist killed in blast ‘feared’ LVF, Irish News, 12 October 2000

[2] Loyalist killed in blast ‘feared’ LVF, Irish News, 12 October 2000

09-Nov-97

Raymond McCord

22

M

P

Civilian

UVF

Newtownabbey

Co Antrim

Beaten to death and found in Ballyduff quarry. His father has a long history of confrontation with loyalist groups, including UDA punishment attacks and threats against his family by the UVF.[1] He claims that his son was killed on the orders of a senior UVF man who was a police informer and who had escaped justice repeatedly despite carrying out more than a dozen murders[2]. In 2003, the Ombudsman’s Office had compiled evidence on an RUC informant who has committed a string of murders but not been prosecuted. The Office was stopped from continuing the investigation, however, because of a lack of funding. Mr McCord snr called for a full inquiry into the role of the Special Branch in the matter.[3] In June 2003, a judge allowed Mr McCord snr the opportunity to pursue judicial review aimed at obtaining the material compiled in the Ombudsman’s investigation. Mr McCord expected proceedings to begin in the High Court in September 2003[4]. In July 2003, the alleged informer was reported to have left the country [5]

[1] UDA blamed for quarry murder, by Steven McCaffrey, Irish News, 11 November 1997

[2] Coroner due to rule on inquest, by Barry McCaffrey, Irish News, 9 May 2003

[3] Demand to Ervine from father of murdered man, by Stephen Dempster, IC Northern Ireland, 8 May 2003

[4] Progress in legal bid to find son’s killer, by David Gordon, Belfast Telegraph, 28 June 2003

[5] Murder bid UVF suspect ‘flees’, by David Gordon, Belfast Telegraph, 21 July 2003

05-Dec-97

James Gerard (Gerry) Devlin

36

M

C

Civilian

LVF

Glengormley

Co Antrim

Shot seven times at close range as he arrived alone to meet his brother at St Enda’s GAA club, which is the most targeted GAA premises in Northern Ireland. According to forensic evidence produced at the inquest, Mr Devlin was shot with the same Browning 9mm pistol later used to kill Philip Allen and Damien Trainor in Poyntzpass, and linked to three punishment shootings in the Portadown area and a gun attack in the home of a prison officer.[1]

[1] ‘Skulking’ LVF killers murdered easy target, Irish News, 15 October 1998

27-Dec-97

Billy Wright

37

M

P

LVF

INLA

Maze Prison

Co Down

Leader of the LVF shot inside Maze Prison, while sitting in a prison van, by INLA prisoners housed on the same H block. The carefully planned attack was led by Christopher ‘Crip’ McWilliams, who was serving a life sentence for the murder of a Belfast bar manager in 1991.[1]

Three INLA prisoners, Christopher ‘Crip’ McWilliams (39), John Glennon (32), and John Kennaway (35), were given life sentences for Wright’s murder in October 1998. They pleaded not guilty, but their counsel declined to outline their case. The IRSP and INLA were not party to the Good Friday Agreement, but the IRSP said they thought the three men would qualify for early release.[2] In October 2000, the three men were, in fact, released from jail after having served two years for the murder, as required by the terms of the Agreement[3].

[1] Lost Lives, no. 3571

[2] Lost Lives, no. 3571

[3] Billy Wright killers freed from jail, by John Mullin, Guardian, 21 October 2000

27-Dec-97

Seamus Dillon

45

M

C

Former IRA

LVF

Dungannon

Co Tyrone

Former republican life prisoner working as a doorman in the Glengannon Hotel. He was shot 12 hours after the INLA killing of LVF leader Billy Wright. He had severed his links to the republican movement after being released from prison in 1994.[1]

Revenge for Billy Wright

[1] Lost Lives, no. 3572

31-Dec-97

Edmund (Eddie) Treanor

31

M

C

Civilian

Loyalists

North Belfast

Co Antrim

Killed when two men sprayed the bar of the Clifton Tavern with bullets from an Uzi sub-machine gun, wounding 4 others as well. The LVF claimed the murder, but the RUC suspected UFF involvement as a known UFF member was seen in the getaway car.[1]

Revenge for Billy Wright?

[1] Murder victim’s family pleads for an end to the killing, by Niall Blaney, Irish News, 3 January 1998