Did Police Finally Apologize to the Family of the First Child Killed in the Troubles?

The tragic case of Patrick Rooney, the first child killed during the Troubles in Northern Ireland, has seen a significant legal development, with police issuing an apology to his family and agreeing to provide substantial compensation. This decision comes after years of legal action taken by Patrick's mother, Alice Rooney, highlighting the ongoing historical injustices related to police actions during the conflict. The shooting, which occurred in August 1969, left a profound impact on the Rooney family and has raised questions about accountability within the police force.

Last updated: 22 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

Following a recent High Court hearing, the family of Patrick Rooney received an apology from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) and will be compensated for the loss and suffering endured since the tragic event. The court heard that the police discharged up to 200 high-velocity rounds from vehicle-mounted machine guns to disperse rioters during a period of intense civil unrest in Belfast. Patrick, only nine years old, was shot in the head while seeking refuge in his home, highlighting the brutal realities faced by civilians during the Troubles.

Key takeaways

Patrick Rooney was shot by police fire in August 1969 while sheltering in his home.
The PSNI has apologised and agreed to significant compensation for the Rooney family.
A police ombudsman report indicated failures in the investigation of Patrick's death.

Timeline: how we got here

The events surrounding Patrick Rooney's death unfold as follows:

August 1969: Patrick Rooney is killed by police gunfire in Belfast while sheltering in his home.
2013: Patrick's father dies, urging the family to seek justice for Patrick's death.
2021: A police ombudsman report criticises the RUC for its use of excessive force and failure to hold officers accountable.
October 2023: The High Court hears the family's case and the PSNI issues an apology while agreeing to compensation.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The recent court ruling marks a pivotal moment in the long-standing quest for justice by the Rooney family, culminating in an apology from the PSNI and an agreement for undisclosed compensation. This acknowledgment of wrongdoing comes after decades of silence and lack of accountability.

What was already established

It has been known for years that Patrick was killed due to police actions deemed excessive, with reports indicating that the police force was never held accountable for the shooting due to investigative shortcomings. The ombudsman’s report from 2021 had already established the disproportionate response of the police during the riots.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The implications of this case extend beyond the Rooney family, touching on broader issues of police accountability and community trust in law enforcement. For families in Northern Ireland, the acknowledgment of past wrongs can serve as a critical step towards healing and reconciliation.

Businesses and jobs

The resolution of this case may influence how businesses and community organisations approach their relationships with law enforcement, particularly in areas historically affected by violence and unrest. Ensuring a secure environment for businesses is crucial for economic stability.

Policy and regulation

This apology and compensation may prompt further discussions on police practices and accountability in Northern Ireland. The ongoing scrutiny of historical events may lead to policy reviews and changes in how the police operate in sensitive situations, aiming to prevent future tragedies.

Numbers that matter

56 years: The time taken for the PSNI to issue an apology following Patrick Rooney's death.
200: The number of high-velocity rounds discharged by police during the incident.
9: Patrick's age when he was tragically killed.

Definitions and jargon buster

RUC: Royal Ulster Constabulary, the police force in Northern Ireland before the PSNI.
PSNI: Police Service of Northern Ireland, the current police force in Northern Ireland.
Ombudsman: An official appointed to investigate individuals' complaints against maladministration, especially by public authorities.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

The PSNI will seek formal authorisation for the compensation settlement from relevant authorities, including the Policing Board and the Department of Justice. This process will likely unfold quickly given the public and political attention surrounding the case.

Medium term (1–6 months)

There may be ongoing discussions regarding changes to police protocols, especially concerning the use of force during civil unrest. The implications of the ombudsman's report could prompt legislative reviews to ensure accountability in policing practices.

Signals to watch

Updates from the PSNI regarding changes in policy following this case.
Further investigations or inquiries into historical police actions in Northern Ireland.
Public reactions and community discussions surrounding the impact of this settlement.

Practical guidance

Do

Stay informed about updates regarding police accountability measures in Northern Ireland.
Engage with community discussions on the legacy of the Troubles and its impact on current policing.
Support initiatives aimed at healing and reconciliation in affected communities.

Don’t

Ignore the importance of accountability for historical injustices.
Dismiss the ongoing trauma experienced by families affected by the Troubles.
Assume that this settlement resolves all issues related to police conduct during the Troubles.

Checklist

Have you reviewed the key findings from the police ombudsman's report?
Are you aware of any local initiatives aimed at promoting dialogue on police accountability?
Have you considered how historical events impact current community safety perceptions?

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While the apology and compensation mark a significant step toward justice, uncertainties remain regarding the broader implications for police accountability in Northern Ireland. The complexities of historical investigations mean that some cases may still lack resolution, and further scrutiny could reveal additional failings within the police force.

Bottom line

The recent developments in the case of Patrick Rooney highlight the enduring impact of the Troubles on families in Northern Ireland. The apology and compensation from the PSNI serve as a crucial acknowledgment of past injustices, but they also underscore the need for ongoing dialogue about accountability and community safety in the region.

FAQs

What happened to Patrick Rooney?

Patrick Rooney was shot and killed by police gunfire while sheltering in his home during civil unrest in August 1969, making him the first child killed in the Troubles.

What has the PSNI done in response to the Rooney family?

The PSNI has issued an apology and agreed to a significant compensation settlement to the Rooney family for the loss and suffering endured since Patrick's death.

What does the police ombudsman report say about Patrick's death?

The report indicated that the police actions were disproportionate and that there were significant failings in the investigation into Patrick's death, resulting in a lack of accountability for officers involved.