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19/03/2013
Govt Apologies For 1974 Shooting Of Disabled Man
The Government has apologised to the family of a disabled farm worker after he was shot as he ran away from soldiers almost 40 years ago.
John Pat Cunningham, 27, was killed in a field in Benburn in 1974.
He had the mental age of between a six and ten-year-old and was afraid of men in uniforms.
Two soldiers suspected of the killing have refused to give an account of what happened.
The family has welcomed the apology, however they believe more questions need to be answered.
A report from the Historical Enquiries Team (HET) found that his death was "an absolute tragedy".
Cahrlie Agnew, Mr Cunningham's uncle, said: "He was a completely innocent man and did not deserve to die.
"The two soldiers who fired at John Pat had leaped over a farm gate before stopping, aiming and taking fire at a man running away from them."
(CD)
John Pat Cunningham, 27, was killed in a field in Benburn in 1974.
He had the mental age of between a six and ten-year-old and was afraid of men in uniforms.
Two soldiers suspected of the killing have refused to give an account of what happened.
The family has welcomed the apology, however they believe more questions need to be answered.
A report from the Historical Enquiries Team (HET) found that his death was "an absolute tragedy".
Cahrlie Agnew, Mr Cunningham's uncle, said: "He was a completely innocent man and did not deserve to die.
"The two soldiers who fired at John Pat had leaped over a farm gate before stopping, aiming and taking fire at a man running away from them."
(CD)
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