PRESS RELEASE
INQUEST INTO THE DEATH OF MASTER PATRICK CRAWFORD (15) KILLED ON 10TH AUGUST 1975 AT RVH
PUBLIC APPEAL FOR INFORMATION IN ENGLAND, WALES & SCOTLAND
ISSUED BY HARTE COYLE COLLINS, SOLICITORS & ADVOCATES
22ND MARCH 2024
The inquest into the death of Patrick Crawford (15) who was shot dead in the grounds of the Royal Victoria Hospital on the 10th of August 1975, started on 11th of March 2024 at Armagh Courthouse, Northern Ireland. The inquest will resume on the 8th of April 2024.
The fifteen-year-old teenager was killed by a single shot to his chest while walking through the grounds of the Royal Victoria Hospital on the evening of 10th August 1975 at approximately 9.40pm.
Two women, who were walking with him at the time of the fatal shooting, gave evidence at the original inquest in December 1979 that the 15 year old was unarmed and had asked to accompany them from the Grosvenor Road to the Falls Road through the grounds of the Royal because he was afraid.
The family of Patrick Crawford believe that he was shot dead by the army in the grounds of the Royal Victoria Hospital with one high velocity shot.
The Coroner, Judge Gilpin opened the inquest in March 2022. The inquest resumed on the 11th of March 2024. Former military witnesses from the Royal Highland Fusiliers have been giving evidence to the Coroner this week. A former member of the RHF confirmed that the regiment had a permanent military base in the basement of the Royal Victoria Hospital at the time of the shooting.
Lawyers for the family of Patrick Crawford are now appealing for witnesses, including former members of the RHF, who may have information or evidence about the fatal shooting of 15 year old Patrick Crawford to contact the Coroner’s Service in Belfast or their office urgently. The next of kin are particularly interested in hearing from any former military witnesses who may have relevant evidence or information.
The inquest hearing will resume on the 8th of April 2024 to hear other military witnesses and expert evidence will be heard on 12th and 18th April 2024.
If you have information in relation to the fatal shooting of Patrick Crawford at the Royal Victoria Hospital on the 10th of August 1975 please contact lawyer Patricia Coyle on 02890-278227, e mail info@hartecoylecollins.com or the Coroner’s Service Northern Ireland directly.
Contact Patricia Coyle, 02890-278227
