The family of a Donegal man who died after being shot by the RUC 50 years ago is calling for a new inquest into death.
Michael Leonard (24) of Lettercran, Pettigo, died on May 17, 1973, just inside the Fermanagh border as he attempted to make his way home.
Yesterday his family met with officials from the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs to ascertain what has been done in seeking answers from British authorities about his murder.
He was killed just 200 metres from the border after a car chase between Belleek and Pettigo.
Local councillor and family friend, Michael Naughton, said the family made a major breakthrough in 2019.
They unearthed new evidence which they say proves that Michael was deliberately targeted and shot at multiple times by police before he could reach the border.
The family have long been seeking a fresh inquest and this year will mark 50 years since his killing.
“We met yesterday in Omagh with representatives of the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs,” Cllr Naughton said.
“We called on them to request the Northern Ireland Police Ombudsman to open a new inquest into Michael’s death. According to the first inquest, only one shot was fired and it was claimed that this was an accident. However, new information disclosed to the family revealed he was initially shot at twice. Then, the police followed him down the road and the third shot finally killed him.”
Cllr Naughton said the family met with the Police Ombudsman in 2019, requesting a new inquest. However, there have been no developments since.
“I know there have been delays because of Covid, however, it shouldn’t take that long to reply to the family,” Cllr Naughton added.
“The Leonard family are waiting for justice for an innocent man who was murdered by the RUC. The family also told the department officials that they want a personal meeting with the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Micheál Martin, and ask him to put pressure on the Northern Ireland Police Ombudsman to open a new inquest.”
