Police are reopening inquiries into the murder of a nationalist councillor nearly 30 years ago following a review of the case. By Dan Keenan, Northern News Editor
Mr Patrick Kelly (33) disappeared after locking his pub in Trillick, Co Tyrone, on July 24th, 1974. His body was discovered three weeks later some 10 miles away in Lough Eyes near Lisbellaw, Co Fermanagh. He had been shot a number of times and his body was weighed down by blocks. His family suspected security force involvement.
Det Supt Andrew Hunter is leading a team of detectives based at Maydown police complex, Derry. He is on secondment from another force, a measure advocated by the PSNI Chief Constable in response to the shortage of officers.
Mr Kelly's family claim not to have been told of the reopening of the case and expressed doubts as to its effectiveness. Mr Kelly's brother, Peter, a Sinn Féin councillor, said: "I would prefer to have an independent probe headed by a person from outside the country. We don't have much faith in the Royal Ulster Constabulary or the Police Service of Northern Ireland."
He said his family believed there was security force collusion in the murder and he described the original police investigation as a charade. "It was not investigated properly when it should have been 29 years ago," he said. "The family will be seeking legal advice in the coming days to decide whether to co-operate with this new investigation or not."
The PSNI said yesterday that investigating officers will conduct house-to-house inquiries in Trillick and the other scenes connected to the case. These include the Badoney Road between the Corner Bar in Trillick and Mr Kelly's home in Golan.
Det Supt Hunter said yesterday he would investigate claims that British military patrols had been present in the area on the night of July 24th, 1974, and he appealed for anyone who saw such a patrol or was stopped by one on the night to come forward.
He said: "I would urge anyone with information to come forward and talk to me. I am aware of the controversy surrounding this case of rumours and allegations.
"I am acutely aware of the sensitivities and difficulties involved, but my objective is to uncover the truth and, if possible, bring those responsible for Mr Kelly's murder before a court."
The West Tyrone Sinn Féin MP, Mr Pat Doherty, said: "Patsy Kelly's family and local people are convinced that members of the UDR murdered him and dumped his body."
An Ulster Unionist member of the Policing Board, Mr Fred Cobain, said: "This investigation will only reopen old wounds and the house-to-house inquiries will damage community relations."