New evidence shows Michael Leonard shot three times by RUC
Evidence obtained under the Freedom of Information Act sheds new light on the killing of Michael Leonard by the RUC in 1973
New evidence shows that a Donegal man shot dead by the RUC in 1973 was fired at three times.
Michael Leonard from Pettigo was shot dead by the Royal Ulster Constabulary on May 17, 1973 near the Donegal-Fermanagh border at Brookhill, Letter, in County Fermanagh.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the 24-year-old, who was killed only 200 metres from the border following a car chase.
Despite claims from the police that a single round was discharged accidentally, new evidence that has emerged disputes that version of events.
Records obtained by Paper Trial, under the Freedom of Information Act, shows that the British army was aware that three shots were fired.
The records show that Sir Frank King, the General Officer Commanding (GOC), who was the army’s director of operations in Northern Ireland, was told the day after the incident that innocent Catholic Mr Leonard was deliberately targeted.
A Director of Operations brief, dated May 18, 1973, read: “A young Catholic man from Co. Donegal was killed near Belleek. He was recognised by the RUC, was challenged and failed to halt. As he drove off, the RUC fired 2 shots at his car and, in the subsequent chase, the man appeared to draw his weapon so the RUC fired again and fatally wounded him.”
It had previously been claimed that he was accidentally shot with only one shot fired.
However, a briefing entry added: “Chase was given in a landcover and a further shot fired, hitting Leonard, who later died of his injuries.”
An inquest in 1973 returned a verdict of misadventure and his family are calling for a fresh inquiry into his killing.
In January of this year, the family met with representatives from the Department of Foreign Affairs in Omagh and have called for a new inquest be opened by the Northern Ireland Police Ombudsman.