AN English coroner will decide at a later date whether or not to continue an investigation into the death of 1980s security force informer, Raymond Gilmour.
From Derry’s Creggan, Mr Gilmour (57) was found dead in Kent by his 18-year-old son last week. It is understood he died some time previously and his body was in a bad state of decomposition.
Recruited as an informer at the age of 16, Gilmour spent time working for the security forces as a member of the INLA before – on their instructions – joining the Provisional IRA. In 1984, he was the sole witness in a case against 35 Derry men and women accused of paramilitary offences.
However, the case collapsed when presiding judge, Lord Lowry described him as “entirely unworthy of belief.”
Since then he lived under an assumed identity in England. It is understood the Derry man struggled with mental illness and addiction problems.
It is not known when or where Mr Gilmour’s funeral will take place. It is also unclear whether or not he will be buried under his own name or his new assumed identity.
It is understood his death, which is being investigated by the North East Kent coroner’s office, is not being treated as suspicious at this stage.
A spokeswoman said: “The death of Raymond Gilmour was reported to North East Kent Coroner’s Office on 27/10/16.
"The coroner currently awaits the result of a post mortem examination and at that stage will decide whether to continue the investigation.”
Fellow former informer, Martin McGartland has launched a “Just Giving Page” to raise money for Mr Gilmour’s funeral.
Mr McGartland said: “We’re raising £5,000 to please help if you can do so that Raymond ‘Ray’ Gilmour is not given a pauper’s funeral. Ray was a former British agent who had been abandoned.”
