# Troubles
This week
17th September 2023 - 23rd September 2023
New inquest ordered into murder of Thomas Lockard in 1998
Thomas Lockard was found beaten on the side of the road weeks after the Good Friday agreement was signed.
Brian Rowan: The head of the new Troubles legacy body will have a mountain to climb
The former BBC correspondent looks at the UK’s legacy bill and meets ex-police commander Peter Sheridan of the new Commission for Investigations.
This month
September 2023
Taoiseach appeals to UK government to not enact Troubles Legacy Bill as govt mulls legal action
Speaking today, Varadkar said: ‘It’s not a small thing for one state to take a case against another state, but this is a serious situation.’
Troubles Legacy Bill: 'It's almost as if the UK is writing itself out of the North's history'
Professor Laura McAtackney examines how the UK government’s controversial legacy bill will affect the writing of accurate and balanced histories.
Legal challenge lodged over Troubles Legacy Bill
The Bill has been challenged under Article 2 of the European Convention on Human Rights.
Government considering legal action as Westminster votes to end historical prosecutions in NI
Victims of the Troubles have accused the UK Government of abandoning them, after the Legacy Bill passed its final hurdle at Westminster today.
Victims’ images projected on Parliament as UK Government urged to scrap Troubles legacy Bill
The controversial legislation is set to return to the UK Parliament this week.
Last month
August 2023
Victim's group urges Irish government to work with new inquest into 1991 killing of Ian Sproule
Ian Sproule, 23, was shot dead at his home on the outskirts of Castlederg in Co Tyrone, with the Provisional IRA suspected as being involved.
Military hearsay statements can be used in Soldier F's Bloody Sunday trial, judge rules
Former paratrooper Soldier F is accused of murdering James Wray and William McKinney in 1972.
Omagh marks 25th anniversary of the deadliest bombing of the Troubles
29 people were killed in the attack, four months after the Good Friday Agreement was signed.
This year
2023
Brother of girl shot dead by British soldier urges MPs to reject contentious Troubles legacy Bill
The UK Government has said its legacy proposals are the best way to deliver for victims of the Troubles.
Chris Heaton-Harris insists controversial Troubles legacy bill complies with human rights
Amnesty International and the Council of Europe’s Commissioner for Human Rights have both expressed concern about the bill.
UK government publishes changes to controversial Troubles legacy bill
The bill would halt future civil cases and inquests linked to killings during the conflict.
Wreath laying takes place to mark 49th anniversary of Dublin-Monaghan bombings
35 people were killed by four no-warning bombs in 1974.
Search of Co Monaghan bog for remains of Columba McVeigh has resumed
The current search began in October but was suspended in November due to ‘dangerous’ ground conditions.
Family of man tortured by British military into murder confession awarded £350,000
Liam Holden’s conviction was quashed in 2012 and he received £1 million in damages for the miscarriage of justice.
Suspended sentence for ex-British soldier convicted of 1988 manslaughter of Aidan McAnespie
In November, David Jonathan Holden, 53, was convicted of the manslaughter of Aidan McAnespie in February 1988.
Aidan McAnespie, 23, was killed in Aughnacloy, Co Tyrone, moments after walking through a border security checkpoint.
In November, David Jonathan Holden, 53, was convicted of the manslaughter of Aidan McAnespie in February 1988.
Members of McAnespie’s family were in court for the sentencing hearing.
'We didn't want a pound of flesh': Aidan McAnespie's brother critical of sentence for David Holden
David Jonathan Holden, 53, was sentenced to three years at Belfast Crown Court this afternoon.
Former British soldier convicted of killing Aidan McAnespie to be sentenced next week
He will serve a maximum of two years in jail regardless of the sentence, under a clause in the Good Friday Agreement.
Tearing up Northern Ireland legacy Bill risks five-year delay, UK minister warns
Johnathan Caine holds out the prospect of further changes to the proposed law in a bid to meet the concerns of victims and survivors.
Last year
2022
Progress at five peace wall sites in Northern Ireland
Work is ongoing to reduce or remove the walls which were built to separate communities during the Troubles.
Senior garda makes plea for people to come forward and help them find Troubles terror bombers
Nobody has been charged in relation to the crime.
Search of bog for 1975 IRA victim Columba McVeigh is paused for winter
Columba McVeigh is one of the “Disappeared” victims of the Troubles whose bodies have still to be found.
Belfast actor Ciarán Hinds calls on Truss to scrap UK Govt's controversial Troubles legacy plan
The Bill is set for consideration by the House of Lords.
Inquest findings into death of Derry mother shot by soldier to be sent to prosecution service
Kathleen Thompson was killed by a bullet to the chest in her back garden in Derry in 1971.
Politicians to attend screening of film about Troubles killings
The first official showing of the film, made by Mobile Media and The Truth and Justice Movement, will take place on Wednesday at Leinster House.
UK Govt’s controversial Troubles legacy plan ‘can be improved’, says new NI Secretary of State
Chris Heaton-Harris said there is ‘no ideal solution’ on addressing Northern Ireland’s troubled past.
Rally calls for scrapping of UK Government’s controversial Troubles legacy plan
Hundreds attended the ‘Time for Truth’ demonstration in Belfast on Sunday.
Controversial Troubles Bill may not be human rights compliant, warns European commissioner
The Bill has been opposed by political parties and victims groups in Northern Ireland and the Irish government.
Family of Troubles victim call for removal of memorial to British soldier who died while facing trial
Dennis Hutchings died last year while on trial for the attempted murder of John Pat Cunningham.
Criticism of military barracks memorial to ex-British soldier accused of murder
The memorial was officially unveiled last weekend.
Bloody Friday: Taoiseach pays tribute to victims on 50th anniversary of 'devastating' bombings
Nine people were killed and approximately 130 others were seriously injured on this day in 1972.
Families vow to keep fighting for truth 50 years after Springhill shootings
The victims included a Catholic priest and three teenagers.
'Utterly shameful' Troubles legacy legislation clears the House of Commons
MPs voted 282 to 217 to give the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill a third reading.
Derry mother was shot by soldier in ‘unjustified’ circumstances, says coroner
Kathleen Thompson, a 47-year-old housewife, was killed by a bullet to the chest in her back garden in Derry in 1971.
Troubles legacy bill: Johnson and Tories accused of treating families like 'daft Paddies'
The Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Bill has been widely criticised.
Coveney has 'serious concerns' around new Troubles amnesty legislation
The proposals are almost universally opposed by political parties across the UK and Ireland as well as victims’ groups.
England World Cup winner Steve Thompson put on suicide watch
The 43-year-old was diagnosed with early-onset dementia in November 2020.
Abramovich disqualified as Chelsea director by Premier League
In addition Chelsea’s credit cards were temporarily frozen amid Roman Abramovich’s government sanctions.
