: Latest News

Three party leaders have joined with an MP and an MLA to write to the Prime Minister asking him to delay the legacy Bill to allow an Inquest to be help into the murder of a UDR Corporal.

Unionist leaders, Sir Jeffrey Donaldson MP, Doug Beattie MLA and Jim Allister MLA along with Ian Paisley MP and Tom Elliott MLA have appealed to Rishi Sunak and his Ministers to ensure the Inquest takes place.

Corporal James Elliott, a father of three, was abducted, brutally interrogated and murdered by the PIRA in the Republic of Ireland. His body was then transported back across the border in April 1972.

The letter, which was suggested by Ulster Human Rights Watch (UHRW), states: “We are heartened that the Attorney General for Northern Ireland has recently directed that an inquest be held into the Corporal’s brutal death. This will provide the Elliott family with some closure and an acknowledgement of his dedicated service whilst in uniform, but more importantly the truth about the circumstances of his death.

“No one has ever been convicted of his murder.

“However, there is a looming problem that could derail this long-awaited Inquest. The Government’s Legacy Bill that is currently going through Parliament could conceivably result in this process grinding to a halt.

“If this were to happen, it would be a shocking and deeply disappointing development. It would be an intolerable denial of justice and a grave insult to the memory of a brave soldier and his loved ones.

“We would appeal to you personally, Prime Minister, and your Government, to take whatever steps are necessary to ensure that this inquest takes place, and that justice prevails – even in Northern Ireland.

“You will be aware that we oppose the Legacy Bill because it will be a legislative barrier to any future terrorist-related cases from taking place. Many innocent victims of terrorism and veterans who worked to prevent anarchy in Northern Ireland view this Bill as a gross betrayal. We would point out that while your government has notionally brought the Legacy Bill forward to protect soldiers from inquests, this is an example of where the Bill will deny the family of a murdered soldier, who died in the service of this country, their right to an inquest.

“In the case of Corporal Elliott, you have the opportunity to show some compassion and understanding. We earnestly hope you avail of this opportunity.”

UHRW Advocacy Manager, Axel Schmidt, said: “We are grateful to political leaders and their colleagues for agreeing to take this case to the Prime Minister.

“Corporal Elliott was brutally murdered by PIRA and there was a shocking lack of any investigation by police on both sides of the border. The recent direction for a new inquest is effectively an admission that authorities cannot even be sure which jurisdiction the murder took place in.

“We have campaigned for this inquest for a number of years and believe it is only right that the family has access to this important legal process. It would be heartless and monstrously disrespectful if the Legacy Bill blocked it from taking place.”

“The Elliott family firmly supports this initiative and we hope the Government listens and acts.”

Click here to see the joint letter

The family of a murdered UDR soldier and Ulster Human Rights Watch (UHRW) have welcomed the decision by the Attorney General to open a new Inquest into his death.

Corporal James Elliott was abducted in 1972 at the border in Newry while driving his lorry. Thirty hours later his body was dumped on the side of a road in Newtownhamilton, Co Armagh, as a lure for a further attack on security forces.

The Attorney General, Dame Brenda King, informed in writing the law firm representing the Elliott family and UHRW of her direction to hold a fresh Inquest.

Corporal Elliott’s son, Jim, said: “This letter confirming a new Inquest is a big boost to all of us in our efforts to get justice.

“My father was savagely attacked by terrorists and we want to hold the guilty ones to account and to tell the world what these thugs and criminals did.

“I welcome the Attorney General’s decision and look forward to these new legal proceedings taking place.”

UHRW Advocacy worker, Jonathan Larner, said the decision must not be derailed by any new Legacy Bill.

Mr Larner said: “The Elliott family have every right to have this matter properly examined by a Coroner. Their father deserves no less.

“Any new legacy legislation cannot be allowed to deny justice to this brave soldier. Many want to draw a line under the past and support this Bill currently before Parliament. However, if it goes through, there’s a very real danger this new Inquest will be halted and the Elliotts once again denied their day in court.

“The family have been dignified and determined in their decades-long campaign and for that they are to be commended.

“Ulster Human Rights Watch appreciate this decision by the AG for Northern Ireland, which is a major advance in the case. It is also an encouragement for victims of terrorism to seek justice done and acknowledgement for what they have suffered.”

Survivors and relatives of the La Mon bombing have gathered to mark the forty-fifth anniversary of the terrorist atrocity.

Twelve people perished and thirty were injured in the PIRA incendiary bomb attack.

The group gathered at Lisburn Civic Centre and took part in a short religious Service followed by the laying of floral tributes at a seat bench which commemorates the horrific event.

The event was organised by Ulster Human Rights Watch which advocates and campaigns on behalf of innocent victims of terrorism.

UHRW Advocacy Manager, Axel Schmidt, said: “This annual commemoration is a solemn occasion when we can remember those innocent people who were murdered and those who were left with appalling, life-changing burn injuries.

“This was cold-blooded savagery that should never be forgotten. We have asked for a Public Inquiry into what happened and have been met with rejection and delays at every turn.

“We find this inexplicable as do the victims and survivors of La Mon, and their wider family circles.

“Today, we renew our demand for a Public Inquiry to get answers to important questions around those involved and alleged collusion. The people we represent deserve nothing less.

“We have people who continue to live with horrific injuries. For them, there should be full disclosure of information held by the Police, and even if there is only the slenderest of prospects to secure convictions, then that should be pursued to conclusion.

Click here to see Belfast Telegraph report