On Friday 20th October the review of the Springhill Inquest heard that there are now at least 19 military witnesses who have come forward and will participate in the inquest. Counsel for the families Karen Quinlivan asked that any criminal records of military witnesses should be disclosed.
Martin O’Rourke counsel for the coroner said that expert witnesses will also be engaged in the New Year in relation to pathology, ballistics and the topography of the Springhill and Westrock area where the five victims were killed. In relation to the latter a detailed report which will include the sightlines from Corry’s Timberyard into the Springhill and Westrock district will be provided to the inquest next year.
Mr Justice Schofield who previously expressed his concerns about the ‘hard cut off point’ of 1st May 2024 has set the date for resumption of the inquest to Monday the 6th November for a three-week period to hear the evidence of the remaining civilian witnesses. He hopes that with the resumption of the inquest in November and a firm date for it to begin in January 2024 that the inquest will conclude before next May.
The inquest will resume again on Monday 6th November 2023.
