Date set for Pearse Jordan inquest

An inquest into the death of unarmed IRA man Pearse Jordan, shot by police in west Belfast almost 20 years ago, may be held in October.

Up to four weeks have been allowed for the hearing, provisionally set for 3 October 2011.

The Belfast Coroner’s Court still has to decide on whether up to 20 potential witnesses should be screened when giving evidence.

The 23-year-old from west Belfast, was shot dead after the vehicle he was travelling in was rammed by an undercover RUC (now PSNI) unit on the Falls Road.

His family have battled an extraordinary series of PSNI delaying and diversionary tactics to have his killers give evidence in court.

In 2001 the European Court of Human Rights ruled that the British government had failed to properly investigate the death and ordered it to carry out a new investigation.

Sinn Féin Assembly member for west Belfast Pat Sheehan welcomed the setting of a target date for the hearing.

“I want to pay tribute to Pearse’s parents, Hugh and Teresa; their campaign for truth and justice on behalf of their son has been a source of great admiration amongst our community,” he said.

“They continue to have our full respect and support.

“It is now vital that all evidence sought by the coroner and the Jordan Family is brought before this inquest and that the facts surrounding Pearse’s murder are finally investigated properly and fully.

“Sinn Féin has, through the west Belfast DPP and the Policing Board, consistently challenged the PSNI for its role in delaying this inquest.

“The PSNI’s full cooperation and full disclosure in terms compliant with Article 2 of the European Convention on Human Rights must be at the centre of this inquest and it is vital that no further stalling tactics or cynical delays be put in the way of the truth and justice process.”

Urgent Appeal