Death of Tyrone man shot escaping Long Kesh was ‘unjustified’

THE death of a Tyrone man who was shot in the back while trying to escape from the Long Kesh internment camp almost 50 years ago was both “unjustified and unjustifiable”, an inquest has found.

Hugh Gerard Coney (24), a labourer from Annaghmore, Clonoe, was killed by British troops on the M1 in November 1974.

The talented snooker player, who had beaten future world champion Dennis Taylor in a match, had been interned since June 1973 and was one of a party of internees who had been held in a Republican compound and then launched an escape attempt.

He used a tunnel to escape and was running across a field close to the perimeter fence when he was shot in the back.

Last week, at an inquest held in Belfast Coroners’ Court, a jury found that his killing was both ‘unjustified’ and unjustifiable’.

In light of the findings, his family say they will now go ahead with civil action against the Ministry of Defence (MoD).

The foreperson of the jury stated, “Hugh Coney was unarmed: He died as a result of fatal gunshot wounds fired from a high-velocity rifle: That there was no verbal warning given: An identified soldier known only as HCM1 was responsible.”

In a statement released by campaign group Relatives For Justice (RFJ), a spokesperson said it had been an ‘honour’ to sit with the family during the delivery of the findings.

A spokesperson said, “The jury in the inquest into the fatal shooting of Hugh Gerard Coney delivered their findings today. The Coney family waited patiently all morning passing the time sharing beautiful stories and memories of Hugh.

“It was both humbling and a privilege to be in their company.”

The inquest into Mr Coney’s death had been given limited scope to deal with the case and was not an Article 2 process.

Article 2 provides the Coroners’ Court with a bigger remit and extra scope to investigate in circumstances where an individual may have been relying on protection from the State.

The family’s solicitor, Padraig Ó Muirigh, of Ó Muirigh Solicitors, said they welcomed the findings.

He said, “While the jury were not permitted to reach a finding on the justification of the use of force by HCM1, due to a recent High Court ruling that this was not an Article 2 inquest, they were nonetheless able to reach these significant findings.

“The Coney family would particularly like to thank those former internees, who were on the escape with Mr Coney for their assistance to the Coroner during the inquest.”

The solicitor added, “The Coney family have commenced a civil action against the Ministry of Defence and will continue with these proceedings in light of the findings.”