A date has been set for an inquest into what is believed to have been the first shoot-to-kill incident of the Troubles.
Father-of-six, Patrick Duffy (50) was shot dead by a suspected undercover SAS unit at an IRA arms’ dump at Maureen Avenue in Derry in November, 1978. Mr Duffy died instantly from his injuries after being shot between eleven and 14 times as his daughter sat in a car outside. He was alone and unarmed at the time of the shooting.
In 2019, a new inquest into the killing was granted. Mr Duffy’s family feared MoD claims that it could not start a security vet of files until April this year would prevent the inquest going ahead before the Legacy Bill came into effect.
However, coroner, Fiona Bagnall fixed the opening for the inquest at a hearing on Thursday for April 19 to 21. As the inquest will open before any deadline set by the Legacy Bill, it should be able to proceed. J
Evidence will be heard from Mr Duffy’s family as well as other non-contentious evidence from witnesses who have died since the original inquest into Mr Duffy’s death. Some expert evidence will also be heard.
Solicitor for the dead man’s family, Patricia Coyle said her clients had waited a long time for a court to “objectively scrutinise” the circumstances of their father’s death.
“They also take this opportunity to appeal to any members of the public who may have useful information about their father’s killing to contact our office in advance of the inquest opening on 02890 278227,” Ms Coyle said.
