Ex-RUC officer: I’m relieved I won’t be charged over boy’s murder but this has been harrowing for all involved

An elderly former RUC officer has expressed relief that he won’t be charged with murder over the death of a young Belfast boy in 1969, but is also dismayed that he had to live in fear of a harrowing court ordeal.
By Mark Rainey
Published 1st Aug 2020, 07:32 BST
Updated 1st Aug 2020, 08:40 BST
A military armoured car and barbed wire road block in Divis Street, Belfast. Photo: PAA military armoured car and barbed wire road block in Divis Street, Belfast. Photo: PA
A military armoured car and barbed wire road block in Divis Street, Belfast. Photo: PA

Nine-year-old Patrick Rooney was killed by a bullet fragment during a period of raging gun battles and bomb attacks on August 14 - violence so intense that the army was deployed on to the streets for the first time just hours before Patrick was fatally wounded at his Divis Flats home.

The ex-constable, who does not wish to be named, is convinced he was pursued for prosecution because he is the only identifiable person still alive directly involved in the exchanges of fire between police and IRA members.

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The Public Prosecution Service announced on Thursday that “there is no reasonable prospect of conviction for any offence in respect of the reported suspect”.

Patrick RooneyPatrick Rooney
Patrick Rooney

Solicitor for the former officer, Ernie Waterworth, told the News Letter that his client, now aged in his 80s and suffering serious health issues, has always been forthcoming about the rounds he fired that night and had freely given evidence to the Scarman Tribunal in 1972.

“He has rejected suggestions from the very outset that he was responsible for the tragic death of young Patrick Rooney,” Mr Waterworth said.

“He fully cooperated with the Scarman Tribunal and the police ombudsman’s investigation, however, in later life has become extremely stressed as a result. There were three gunners on the Shorland [armoured cars] that night – [the ex-officer] is alive but the other two are dead. Over the years he has done his best to get the Rooney family closure. He has always acknowledged that he fired shots, coming forward at the first opportunity to give an account of his actions.

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“At the Scarman Tribunal he said he fired at two targets. There was a blast bomb thrown that landed under his vehicle and, as it went off, he fired at the guy who threw the bomb. The second incident was when a guy came around the corner, who [the ex-officer] immediately identified and gave his name to the tribunal. This person then fired at his vehicle so [the ex-officer] then fired at him.

“On that night, for eight or nine hours, there were gun battles raging with the IRA shooting, the UVF were shooting and the police were shooting. A young boy lost his life and it should never have happened.”

Mr Waterworth added: “He is pleased at the PPS decision but this has been horrendous for him and everyone else involved.”

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