Northern Ireland

Sister of woman found murdered in north Belfast in 1976 says 'we would like the truth'

Cliftonpark Avenue in north Belfast where Rosaleen O'Kane's body was found. Picture by Hugh Russell
Cliftonpark Avenue in north Belfast where Rosaleen O'Kane's body was found. Picture by Hugh Russell Cliftonpark Avenue in north Belfast where Rosaleen O'Kane's body was found. Picture by Hugh Russell

THE sister of a Catholic woman found murdered in a north Belfast flat 45 years ago says she "would like the truth" as she called for a fresh inquest.

The body of Rosaleen O'Kane (33) was discovered in a burning flat at Cliftonpark Avenue on September 17 1976. Her body had been stripped naked, set alight and she had suffered a fracture to her skull.

No-one has ever been charged.

Lawyers for Ms O'Kane's family have issued correspondence challenging the attorney general, PSNI chief constable and police ombudsman to properly investigate her death.

They claim there has "never been an effective investigation" to establish how she died.

The original inquest in 1977 returned an open verdict.

But an autopsy showed Ms O'Kane had suffered head injuries and there was no soot in her lungs, indicating she was already dead prior to the fire being set. A second blaze had been set in another area of the flat.

Forensic samples taken from the scene to determine the cause of death were destroyed in a fire at the Department of Industrial and Forensic Science the following day.

The family believe there was a sectarian motive behind her murder, which police said in 2002 could not be ruled out. There has also been speculation of a possible link with the Shankill Butchers to the killing.

In 2004, the case was referred to the Serious Crime Review Team, which made recommendations of further lines of enquiry in 2011.

Ten years later, those recommendations have not been implemented.

The family have repeatedly called for a murder investigation to be re-opened and previously lodged requests for a fresh inquest.

Ms O'Kane's sister, Kathleen Graham, said 45 years on, they are calling on the attorney general to direct a new inquest.

"We would like the truth. Even one bit of truth," she said.

"Rosaleen was our sister, but she was like our mother. I still miss her every day."

Patricia Coyle of Harte Coyle Collins, Solicitors and Advocates said: "There has never been an effective investigation into the death of Rosaleen O'Kane despite the existence of clear lines of enquiry.

"This is completely inexplicable and gives rise to serious concern.

"Each of the relevant public authorities has the power to secure an effective investigation.

"The inquest mechanism in Northern Ireland has been particularly important in partially restoring public confidence in the rule of law.

"These mechanisms for investigation remain available in Northern Ireland and the state needs to use them as part of due process for our clients and others who seek the truth."