'Significant concern at the slow progress' in the inquest into the deaths of two Derry men shot dead by the SAS
Lack of witnesses from the RUC's Divisional Mobile Support Unit' causing concern
A case management hearing in the inquest into the deaths of two Derry men shot dead by the SAS in the grounds of Gransha Hospital on December 6, 1984 has been told that there is 'significant concern at the slow progress' of dealing with witnesses from the RUC's Divisional Mobile Support Unit' (DMSU).
The inquest into the deaths of William Fleming (19) from the Waterside and Daniel Doherty (23) from Creggan had begun in April of this year but had to be postponed due to a lack of preparedness.
One of the issues that arose was the revelation that up to 25 members of the DMSU had not been contacted in relation to the inquest.
With the resumed inquest just weeks away, the Coroner, Mr Justice Ian Huddleston was told that despite thus issue 'being tagged as a matter of urgency' only five statements had been received.
Fiona Doherty KC counsel for the Coroner said that a deadline had been set for the end of August for this matter to be dealt with but this had not been met.
She said that it was proposed to hear from a witness as to the status of these statements and thus would be done on Tuesday next if there was no progress.
The inquest is due to resume in early November and is expected to last several weeks.