Menu
28/02/2003
Disputed death probe ineffective rules judge
A High Court judge in Belfast ruled today that no effective investigation was held into the death of Derry woman Kathleen Thompson who was shot dead by the British army in 1971.
Solicitors acting on behalf of the Thompson family lodged a judicial review in the High Court. The legal team claimed that the Secretary of State was under obligation to carry out an Article 2 investigation as required by the European Convention on Human Rights and the Human Rights Act.
Speaking on local radio at lunchtime, Minty Thompson, daughter of Kathleen, said she "was overjoyed at the ruling".
The Secretary of State may yet appeal the judgement, however campaigners believe today's events mark a turning point for other families contesting similar incidents.
During the early hours of November 6 1971 200 members of the Royal Green Jackets moved into Creggan to search a house in Rathlin Drive. As they were leaving the area, a soldier opened fire, shooting dead Kathleen Thompson – a 47-year-old mother of six children who was standing in her back garden at Rathlin Drive. She was killed instantly by a single shot in the chest.
The army claimed that two shots were fired at them, and that they had replied with eight shots, one of which killed Kathleen Thompson.
(GMcG)
Solicitors acting on behalf of the Thompson family lodged a judicial review in the High Court. The legal team claimed that the Secretary of State was under obligation to carry out an Article 2 investigation as required by the European Convention on Human Rights and the Human Rights Act.
Speaking on local radio at lunchtime, Minty Thompson, daughter of Kathleen, said she "was overjoyed at the ruling".
The Secretary of State may yet appeal the judgement, however campaigners believe today's events mark a turning point for other families contesting similar incidents.
During the early hours of November 6 1971 200 members of the Royal Green Jackets moved into Creggan to search a house in Rathlin Drive. As they were leaving the area, a soldier opened fire, shooting dead Kathleen Thompson – a 47-year-old mother of six children who was standing in her back garden at Rathlin Drive. She was killed instantly by a single shot in the chest.
The army claimed that two shots were fired at them, and that they had replied with eight shots, one of which killed Kathleen Thompson.
(GMcG)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
30 June 2022
Kathleen Thompson Inquest 'Clear Vindication' For Family
The conclusion of an Inquest into the killing mother of six Kathleen Thompson in L'Derry in November 1971 has been welcomed as a "clear vindication of her family's long fight for justice".
Kathleen Thompson Inquest 'Clear Vindication' For Family
The conclusion of an Inquest into the killing mother of six Kathleen Thompson in L'Derry in November 1971 has been welcomed as a "clear vindication of her family's long fight for justice".
03 October 2017
Appeal Issued Over Army Killing
A coroner has issued an appeal for two women who may have information about the killing of a woman by the Army in L'Derry in 1971. Kathleen Thompson, a mother of six, was fatally shot in the garden of her home in the Creggan area during a raid. A new inquest into her death is due to open at Londonderry Courthouse on 27 October.
Appeal Issued Over Army Killing
A coroner has issued an appeal for two women who may have information about the killing of a woman by the Army in L'Derry in 1971. Kathleen Thompson, a mother of six, was fatally shot in the garden of her home in the Creggan area during a raid. A new inquest into her death is due to open at Londonderry Courthouse on 27 October.
15 June 2018
Body Exhumed In Sligo Is Not Arlene Arkinson
A body exhumed from a grave in Sligo has been found to not be that of missing Tyrone teenager, Arlene Arkinson. In a report by the BBC, Kathleen Arkinson, said: "My hope in finding the remains of my sister, Arlene, have been dashed again. "I prayed it was Arlene and was devastated when I was told it wasn't. "We seem to suffer blow after blow.
Body Exhumed In Sligo Is Not Arlene Arkinson
A body exhumed from a grave in Sligo has been found to not be that of missing Tyrone teenager, Arlene Arkinson. In a report by the BBC, Kathleen Arkinson, said: "My hope in finding the remains of my sister, Arlene, have been dashed again. "I prayed it was Arlene and was devastated when I was told it wasn't. "We seem to suffer blow after blow.
20 August 2002
Derry Mayor opens Soham Book of Condolence
In response to requests from the community the Mayor of Derry, Councillor Kathleen McCloskey, has opened a Book of Condolence in memory of the two 10-year-old schoolfriends, Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman, who were murdered in Soham, England.
Derry Mayor opens Soham Book of Condolence
In response to requests from the community the Mayor of Derry, Councillor Kathleen McCloskey, has opened a Book of Condolence in memory of the two 10-year-old schoolfriends, Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman, who were murdered in Soham, England.
28 June 2010
High Flyers Win Major Cash Boost
A Co Down firm that develops revolutionary aircraft seating designs for major airlines has really taken-off today with news of a £5.2m fillip. Stormont Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster today announced that the move, at Thompson Aero Seating in Kilkeel, will create 49 highly skilled jobs.
High Flyers Win Major Cash Boost
A Co Down firm that develops revolutionary aircraft seating designs for major airlines has really taken-off today with news of a £5.2m fillip. Stormont Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster today announced that the move, at Thompson Aero Seating in Kilkeel, will create 49 highly skilled jobs.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:West to northwest gale force winds, severe along the north coast, will continue overnight. Frequent showers persist, merging into longer periods of rain at times and turning wintry. Minimum temperature 1 °C.
