Kathleen Thompson: inquest to hear from ex-soldier who believes he may have fired fatal shots

Mrs Thompson (47) was shot dead outside her home in Creggan in November 1971.

At the close of hearings last week, concerns had been expressed about the possibility of a former soldier, identified as Soldier KTM72, being unable to give evidence.

Joseph Aiken QC, counsel for the former soldier, had said he was awaiting medical reports after discovering his client had been in a serious accident that left him in hospital for 18 months.

However, today’s preliminary hearing was told that a full statement from KTM72 would be available either later on Monday or on Tuesday morning.

Mr Aiken told the Coroner, Judge Sandra Crawford, that his client would be giving evidence but asked that some consideration be given to moving him further down the witness list.

Karen Quinlivan QC, for the Thompson family, said she had no difficulties in agreeing to a new timetable for KTM72.

The hearing also heard that the next of kin had raised several issues with the Coroner’s Service in relation to other former military witnesses.

In relation to one witness, identified as KTM 85, the hearing was told he was ‘fairly categoric’ that he was not in Northern Ireland in November 1971 and there appeared to be documentation to support this.

The hearing was told that, while KTM 85 may not have been present on November 6, 1971, he may be able to shed light on other issues.

The inquest is scheduled to resume on Wednesday.