Doherty and Fleming Inquest: Witness claims his father-in-law was intended target

A witness told the inquest into the deaths of two Derry men shot dead by the SAS in the grounds of Gransha Hospital on December 6 1984 that the talk in the hospital complex was that his father in law was the intended target of the attack.

Gordon Logan who was head gardener in Gransha in 1984 was giving evidence into the deaths of William Fleming (19) from the Waterside and Daniel Doherty (23) from the Creggan area who were shot on December 6 1984.

Mr Logan made a total of three statements in relation to the incident and in one of them he said it was believed his father in law, William Norris Doherty now deceased, was the intended target of the attack.

He said Mr William Doherty had been a part time member of the UDR in the 1970s and then had joined the RUC Reserve.

The statement referred to bullet proof windows being installed and other security measures in his father in law's home.

Mr Logan said he could not recall talking to his father in law the day of the shooting nor was he aware if he was on the bus bringing workers to Gransha.

He was asked by Fiona Doherty KC for the Coroner was he aware of his father in law being warned about a potential attack and he replied 'not to my knowledge'.

Mr Logan was also asked did he know if his father in law had been made aware his life was in danger and he replied 'he never mentioned it.'

The witness also recalled the day of the shooting and said he had been in work when he heard shots.

He said he couldn't say how many shots there had been but added he 'recognised the noise from growing up in Northern Ireland.'

Mr Logan said himself and some colleagues got into a landrover and went to see where the shooting was.

In his statement he said they came across a car blocking the road and a 'civilian' standing by the car who told them to leave the scene which they did.

The witness was asked by Dessie Hutton KC for the next of kin could he recall three distinct bursts, one of three shits, another of three shots then a gap followed by a longer more prolonged burst.

Mr Logan said he could only recall hearing shooting but not how many shits were fired.

The hearing is due to conclude today and will then be adjourned until November 6.