Sinn Féin MP John Finucane has welcomed a finding at an inquest into the killing of Patrick Crawford in 1975 in Belfast today.

The North Belfast MP said:

“I welcome today’s ruling which concluded ‘it is more likely than not that Patrick Crawford was shot by a British soldier in circumstances where they could not have had a reasonable belief of a threat of force’.

“Patrick’s family have fought for nearly five decades for this decision, and I want to commend their courage and determination in bringing about such a day.

“This was also an important ruling as it represented the first outcome of a legacy inquest since the Tory government’s shameful Legacy Act came into force back in May of this year. 

“I would again urge the current Labour government to live up to its manifesto pledge and fully ‘repeal and replace’ this cruel piece of legislation.

“The ICRIR has been rejected by the majority of victims and families, and it is now time for the British government to accept this and work with people here on an agreed way forward for legacy.

“The only way this can be achieved is by returning to the key principles and mechanisms agreed in 2014 at Stormont House.”