Inquest into the death of Liam Paul ‘Topper’ Thompson’s delayed again
February 28, 2024The inquest into the death of Liam Paul ‘Topper’ Thompson has been delayed again today for further enquiries and information to be provided due to delays in disclosure by the PSNI (1).
Due to the PSNI being late in providing documents yet again, the result of that has been to delay and prolong the Public Interest Immunity hearing. This has had a knock on effect on the inquest hearing, which will now resume at a later date. As matters stand, we do not know when that will be.
The inquest was listed to resume on Monday 26 February 2024 at Banbridge Courthouse; everyone had been working towards that date. We are conscious that the inquest, along with other legacy inquests must be concluded by 1 May 2024 (2) if it is not to end without any finding by the Coroner.
Topper Thompson was killed almost 30 years ago. His inquest has been ongoing since 1995 and there was not a substantive hearing until 2023.
Gemma McKeown, CAJ solicitor representing Paul’s brother, Eugene Thompson, said: “This further delay is very concerning in light of the short timeframe in which this inquest has to complete. There is the pressing need for authorities to take all additional measures to expedite compliance with their duties including those to provide timely and adequate disclosure.
“Paul’s only surviving next of kin is his brother, Eugene (our client), as his mother sadly passed away without an inquest being held into his death. This further setback has caused distress and frustration to both Eugene and the wider community.
Eugene Thompson, Paul’s brother, said: “I don’t understand why all this information couldn’t have been provided at the one time. It is just delay after delay. I am concerned that the clock is being run down in my brother’s case and that I will never get a Coroner’s finding. They are dragging it out in the hope that it will be forgotten about, but I will never give up.”
Labour peer Lord Hain has stated, “I have been told authoritatively that key legacy inquests will be deliberately delayed so they lapse as the [Legacy] Act stipulates on 1 May.” (3) Lord Hain’s comments are deeply worrying.
Please direct media enquiries to Robyn Scott, Communications & Equality Coalition Coordinator on robyn@caj.org.uk or 075 1994 1203.
Footnotes
- CAJ’s prior statement on this case, which provides additional background information is available here: https://caj.org.uk/latest/inquest-into-liam-paul-thompsons-death-resumes-24/
- As per the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/41/contents
- As quoted in the Irish News: https://www.irishnews.com/news/northern-ireland/troubles-inquests-delayed-to-run-down-clock-until-law-kicks-in-ex-ni-secretary-DNWQA4UHKRD4FBZFIGOJCFDHRQ