Doherty/Fleming Inquest: 'Highly likely' both men died from gunshot wounds to the head

The inquest into the deaths of two Derry men shot dead by the SAS in 1984 has heard that it was 'highly likely' both men died from gunshot wounds to the head.

Evidence was being given to the inquest into the deaths of William Fleming (19) from the Waterside and Daniel Doherty (23) from Creggan who died during an incident in which they were believed to be trying to shoot an off duty police officer.

Today two pathologists gave evidence of the injuries to the deceased. 

As regards Doherty the hearing was told that he had been struck by 19 bullets. 

These included two to the head, 12 to his back, three to his forearm and two to his leg. 

The hearing was told that it was not possible to determine in what order the wounds were received but the two wounds to the head would have been 'rapidly fatal'.

The court heard that some of the body wounds would also have been fatal but not as rapidly as the head wounds. 

It was said Doherty had a crash helmet at the time of the shooting but either was not wearing it or not wearing it properly.

As regards William Fleming the hearing was told that he had at least five bullet wounds on him. 

One of these wounds was to the head, three to the trunk and one to the leg. 

The court also heard that Fleming had a leg injury that would have been caused by 'blunt force trauma'.

The pathologists also said that Fleming had up to 50 other wounds believed to have been caused by fragmenting bullets. 

Both pathogists disagreed with earlier findings and concluded that Fleming's wounds were inflicted while he was lying on the ground.

A earlier report had suggested he may have been sitting up when he was shot but today's hearing was told the angle of the wounds made it more likely he was shot while on the ground. 

The hearing continues.