The inquest published findings on Thursday that two British Army soldiers “overreacted and lost control” when they shot dead five people in Belfast almost 54 years ago.

Advertisement

The finding that two soldiers “lost control” when they shot dead five people in Belfast more than 50 years ago has delivered “a measure of justice”, a Catholic bishop has said.

Bishop of Down and Connor Alan McGuckian said the truth “restores” the dignity of the victims and the publication of the truth “is of profound importance”.

The Springhill/Westrock inquest published findings on Thursday that two British Army soldiers “overreacted and lost control” when they shot dead five people in Belfast almost 54 years ago.

A Catholic priest, a father-of-six and three teenagers were shot dead in the Springhill and Westrock areas of west Belfast on July 9 1972.

Mr Justice Scoffield said that Father Noel Fitzpatrick, 42, father-of-six Patrick Butler, 38, and teenagers David McCafferty and Margaret Gargan were unarmed and posed no risk when they were shot.

In the case of 16-year-old John Dougal, the coroner said he was unable to conclude whether he was armed when he was shot, but said he was likely running away when he was shot in the back and the level of force used was not reasonable.

The coroner said that the two soldiers who shot them, known only as Soldier A and Soldier E, had “overreacted and lost control”, and fired prematurely without carrying out a risk assessment.

Bishop McGuckian told a congregation gathered at the Corpus Christi Parish on Sunday morning that it was “abundantly clear” that the legacy of conflict in Northern Ireland continues to cast “a long shadow”.

He paid tribute to the families who had “courageously sought truth and justice” while carrying “loss for generations”.

“The findings of this inquest acknowledges that this is a moment of deep significance for the families of these unlawful killings, your wider parish community and for all who carry the memory of what happened here on 9th July 1972,” he said.

He said the findings that the soldiers had used a level of force that was “unreasonable and unjustified” restored the victims’ dignity and delivered “a measure of justice”.

“While no legal finding can ever undo the pain of such loss, the public naming of this truth is of profound importance,” he said.

“Truth restores dignity to the deceased, and it brings a measure of justice to those who grieve.

“I want to speak directly to the families who have carried this loss for generations.

“I pay tribute to each of you who have courageously sought truth and justice for your loved ones carrying the cross of grief, misinformation and injustice.

“You have lived too long with silence. You have borne your suffering with remarkable restraint and dignity.

“Your perseverance in the search for truth and justice has been vindicated.”

The bishop also paid tribute to Father Fitzpatrick, who he said had stood with the community “in a time of fear and violence”.

The inquest found that the priest was likely tending to the dead, dying or injured, and was being helped by Mr Butler when they were both shot in the head with the same bullet.

The coroner said the priest, who was shot first, was “recognisable” as a priest at the time and said the soldier had “fired prematurely”.

Bishop McGuckian said: “Alongside parishioners and neighbours, he ministered in the Church and on the streets to children and families, placing himself in harm’s way out of faith, love and solidarity.

“His life and death remain a powerful witness to the Gospel values of service, compassion, and reconciliation in the midst of conflict.”

He said that he hears from families and the wider community who still seek “truth and justice, not for revenge”.

“The path towards reconciliation and recovery in Northern Ireland can only be achieved by walking together in the light of truth and justice,” the bishop said.

“Confronting the legacy of pain and suffering and working towards reconciliation remains essential because families still suffer, communities still mourn, and there are many who still seek truth, accountability and justice.

“In my ministry as Bishop of Down and Connor, I continue to hear the voices of families and the wider community who fearlessly cry out longing for truth and justice, not for revenge.

“Your witness reminds us all, politicians and wider society, that reconciliation is not built on forgetting or denial, but on honesty and mutual recognition of suffering.

“While peace and stability are precious achievements, they must never come at the cost of excluding victims or silencing their voices.

“Where truth remains hidden or unresolved, it continues to erode trust and hinder reconciliation.

“Credible, independent, and transparent processes that enable the pursuit of truth and justice are not obstacles to peace; they are its necessary and indispensable foundation.

“To you, the parishioners of Corpus Christi, whose streets and homes continue to carry these memories and scars: I thank you for the quiet strength with which you have sustained one another over the years.

“I pray that the findings of this recent inquest, like the earlier findings into the Ballymurphy Massacre, may bring some peace and consolation, and that it may renew our shared commitment to building a better future for our children and young people.”

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.

Drink driving

A man was banned from the roads after drink driving.

Jordan Aldcroft, 34, admitted to Manchester and Salford Magistrates Court that he had driven a Peugeot Panel Van on Pilkington Road, Bolton while over the legal limit for cocaine.

This was on August 14 last year.

Aldcroft, of Coalshaw Green Road, Chadderton, was banned from driving for 12 months and fined £438.

He was also ordered to pay costs of £85 and a surcharge of £175.

Fighting dog

A man was fined after having custody of a fighting dog.

Craig Davenport, 32, admitted to Tameside Magistrates Court that he had custody of an XL Bully on December 8 last year.

This was against the terms of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991.

Davenport, of Back Wellington Street North, Farnworth was fined £60 and ordered to pay costs of £85 to the Crown Prosecution service with £400 to Greater Manchester Police.

Magistrates gave a contingent destruction order for the dog unless an exemption order applied.

Racially aggravated 

A man was ordered to pay after racially aggravated behaviour towards a police officer.

Luke Madeley-Bell, 27, admitted to Wigan and Leigh Magistrates Court that he had caused racially aggravated alarm or distress to a Police Constable in Bolton.

This was on September 30 last year.

Madeley-Bell, of Coniston Avenue, Farnworth, was ordered to pay a compensation of £50 and a fine of £1000.

Offensive phone calls

A man was fined after making offensive phone calls.

Wayne Cohen, 43, admitted to Wigan and Leigh Magistrates Court that he had sent offensive, indecent, obscene or menacing messages.

This was by making grossly offensive or indecent phone calls in Bolton on August 8 last year.

Cohen, of Barton Road, Farnworth, was fined £120 and ordered to pay costs of £85 with a surcharge of £48.

Driving ban 

A man was banned from the roads after drink driving.

Brett Holt, 44, denied drink driving when appearing before Manchester and Salford Magistrates Court.

But he was found guilty of driving a Ford transit van while over the legal limit for alcohol on Long Lane, Bolton on October 6, 2023.

Holt, of Long Lane, Bolton, was banned from driving for 36 months with a reduction period of 36 weeks if he completes a course by October 6, 2028.

He was also fined £1,200 and ordered to pay costs of £620 with a surcharge of £480.

Mohammed Ali Hussain has links to Manchester city centre

Police are urgently appealing to find a man wanted for recall to prison.

Mohammed Ali Hussain, 25, is wanted for failure to appear at court, breach of a court order and recall to prison.

Greater Manchester Police have said he has links to Manchester city centre, as well as Bedford, Birmingham, Coventry and Stoke-on-Trent.

Click here to get the biggest stories straight to your inbox in our Daily Newsletter

Anyone with information is urged to call the police or contact Crimestoppers anonymously. They have also shared a photo of Hussain as part of the appeal.

Posting on social media, the force wrote: “We are appealing for information to help locate Mohammed Ali Hussain (16/12/2000), who is wanted on recall to prison.

“He is wanted for recall to prison, failure to appear, warrant, and breach of a court order.“He has links to the #CityCentre area of Greater Manchester, as well as #Clapham in Bedford, #Birmingham, #Coventry, #ApplebyMagna, #Hanley in Stoke-on-Trent as well as connections to #Bedfordshire, #Gwent and #SouthYorkshire.”Anyone with information is asked to call 0161 856 0804 or 101 quoting CRI/06A2/0006811/24, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Available for over a year

Today, after a week of warning’s from the government over the financial impact of the war in Iran – is the reality starting to hit home?

Adam, Chris and Faisal are joined by Ailbhe Rea Political Editor of the New Statesman to discuss how the financial effects could be felt all over the country? It comes after the Bank of England warns interest rates could rise this year following a “significant energy price shock”.

And, with economic uncertainty looking set to continue – could this put off Labour MPs from launching a challenge to Keir Starmer?

You can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say “Ask BBC Sounds to play Newscast”. It works on most smart speakers.

You can join our Newscast online community here: https://bbc.in/newscastdiscord

Get in touch with Newscast by emailing newscast@bbc.co.uk or send us a WhatsApp on +44 0330 123 9480.

New episodes released every day. If you’re in the UK, for more News and Current Affairs podcasts from the BBC, listen on BBC Sounds: https://bbc.in/4guXgXd

Newscast brings you daily analysis of the latest political news stories from the BBC. The presenter was Adam Fleming. It was made by Jack Maclaren with Jem Westgate. The social producer was Gabriel Purcell-Davis . The technical producer was . The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

Programme WebsiteShow less

Joe Burton is standing for the Green Party in the ward, which has returned Conservative councillors for more than 20 years. He believes changes in the area mean voters may now be open to something different.

Mr Burton said the area has seen a shift in its population in recent years. He pointed to more family homes replacing older properties and bringing in younger residents.

He said: “Bromley Cross is a fantastic place to live, but I’m hearing on the doorstep that people might be looking for something new.

 “There’s a younger, more family-oriented population in Bromley Cross now, and that can bring different priorities.”

Green Party candidates this election. (Image: Supplied)

Mr Burton works in the charity sector and has done so for around 15 years. He is part of the leadership team at a national youth organisation that supports young people getting into the arts.

He also volunteers with Bolton Lads and Girls Club.

Amy Cowen has decided to give up her spot as a conservative ward councillor ahead of the 2026 May local elections, with a view to Charlotte Cadden being handed the baton.

Traffic congestion is one of the main issues Mr Burton has heard about. He said problems on the surrounding roads often affect Bromley Cross.

He said: “If anything happens in Astley Bridge or Tonge Moor, it has a knock-on effect and Bromley Cross can get backed up very quickly.

 “There can be long queues along Blackburn Road, and it causes frustration for people trying to get to work.”

He said: “It is about having a more joined-up approach so that plans in other wards take Bromley Cross into account.”

Joe Burton. (Image: Supplied)

Mr Burton said he would not promise quick fixes but would push for better coordination across the area.

He also raised concerns about development in the area.

He said Tong Fields is one of the main sites that residents are worried about

Mr Burton said: “People are concerned about the impact development could have on the community and the roads.”

He added: “It is not about being against development but making sure the community is involved in decisions.”

Mr Burton aims to bring a different perspective if elected, working with existing councillors but also offering new ideas.

He said: “After many years of the same representation, even one different voice can bring new thinking.

“I would like to build that momentum so people see the Green Party as a real presence in Bromley Cross.”

Cllr Nadim Muslim, currently representing the ward, said: “At the end of the day, we’re getting a strong team working hard with Charlotte.

“Some candidates are inexperienced and speak of national issues. We are not bringing them into this campaign and keeping it local instead.

Nadim Muslim, currently representing Bromley Cross and Egerton (Image: Public)

“We are prioritising local issues.

“This is for Bolton Council. It should be voting about what we are going to do, like having more police on our streets.”

Taking place in Harrogate from Tuesday, July 14 to Friday, July 17, the event will feature the best of British agriculture, with 8,500 animals, cutting-edge machinery, and entertainment for all ages.

Rachel Coates, show director, said: “I’m really looking forward to welcoming thousands of visitors to the Great Yorkshire Show for four days of celebration as we showcase every aspect of what makes the countryside such a special place.

“As well as being a great day out for all the family, the Great Yorkshire Show puts farming, food and the countryside centre stage to highlight excellence in the way our food is produced and the landscape is managed.

“Behind all of this are hard-working families and innovative businesses who, like everyone else, are battling rising inflation.

“I hope the show encourages people to buy British and back local producers.”

Traditional favourites will return alongside new features to be announced in the coming weeks.

This year’s event will include national shows for Zwartbles sheep and Charolais cattle.

Martin Preston, president of the Zwartbles Sheep Association, said: “It’s the biggest show in England and people come from all over to be part of it.

“The Show is very popular with Zwartbles breeders across the country and for us, it’s the biggest part of our year.

“It’s where we see our friends and there’s great pride in having a show like this so local to us.”

The main ring will feature daily performances by The Bolddog FMX motorbike stunt team, alongside world-class showjumping.

Food lovers can look forward to the popular Food Hall, which includes a dedicated Cheese and Dairy Show.

The Agri-Innovation Village will showcase the latest technologies shaping the future of farming, while the machinery demonstration ring will return with live displays.

Allister Nixon, chief executive of the Yorkshire Agricultural Society, said: “This is a really exciting time, following months of planning at the Yorkshire Agricultural Society, with the input of hundreds of stewards and dedicated volunteers as we start the countdown to our flagship event.

“The Society works throughout the year to champion the industry, and it’s all brought together for four days of competition and celebration in support of everyone connected with the countryside.”

The Great Yorkshire Show has attracted 140,000 visitors and has sold out every year since moving to advance sales only in 2021.

Tickets are available in advance-only at last year’s prices: £36.50 for adults, £13 for children, and £89 for families.

Farmer tickets, which offer flexibility to attend on any day of the show, are available for those who work on-farm.

These are also held at last year’s prices: £27.50 for adults, £10 for children, and £65 for families.

An approved form of ID is required to purchase and use farmer tickets.

To make the day more accessible, The Harrogate Bus Company will run free shuttle buses every 10 minutes from Harrogate Bus Station to the showground’s White Gate, starting at 7.30am daily.

The last bus departs the showground at 7pm.

The show will also be supported by social media coverage from South Yorkshire farmer and YouTuber Joe Seels, North Yorkshire farmer and podcaster Rebecca Wilson, and Cumbrian farmer and YouTuber Charlotte Ashley.

Visitors are encouraged to download the free Great Yorkshire Show App to help plan their day.

The app includes timetables, key highlights, an interactive map, and details of trade stands and shopping.

More information is available at greatyorkshireshow.co.uk.

As reported in The Bolton News the football team which was founded by a Bolton legend Percy Ashley inspired a film which has been showing at The Light Cinema in Market Place.

The footballing legends walked the red carpet for a special screening of the film in Bolton.

The team, The Corinthians Ladies FC stood up to the might of The FA’s 50-year ban on women playing the sport to become global champions. 

A red carpet-style screening took place in Bolton, for the award-winning documentary.

The Corinthians: We Were The Champions was shown at The Light cinema in Market Place Shopping Centre with a special VIP event featuring a green, football-themed carpet, a post-film Q&As, and appearances by former players, the director and guests.

The screening followed a successful earlier run in Bolton, where the film prompted what organisers described as an “outpouring of pride” for the team’s founder, Percy, and his daughter Doris.

Filmmakers said the reaction was sparked in part by local coverage in The Bolton News celebrating the pair’s Bolton roots, which led them to organise a return event focused on their legacy.

Directed by Helen Tither of Manchester-based production company Films Not Words, the documentary tells the story of Corinthians Ladies FC, a team formed in 1949 at a time when women’s football was banned by The Football Association.

Despite the ban, which ran from 1921 to 1971, Percy Ashley – a former Bolton Wanderers scout – established the team so his daughter Doris could play, going on to train a squad that achieved major success both in the UK and abroad.

The team later beat Germany to win an unofficial European Cup in 1957 and defeated Juventus in 1970 and has since been described by the National Football Museum as one of the most successful women’s teams the country has seen.

The film, told entirely in the words of 10 surviving players including Myra Lypnyckyj, Anne Grimes, Pauline Hulme, Marlene Cook, Freda Ashton, Monica Curran, Margaret ‘Whit’ Whitworth, Jean Wilson, Jan Lyons and Margaret ‘Tiny’ Shepherd, combines archive footage, animation and a punk-inspired soundtrack to bring their story to life.

L – R Players Margaret ‘Tiny’ Shepherd, Margaret ‘Whit’ Whitworth, Myra Lypnyckyj, Marlene Cook and filmmaker Helen Tither (Image: Lisa Valentine – Newsquest)

Speaking to The Bolton News on the night, Marlene, 84, from Denton, said: “I played for the Corinthians from 1957 until 1963.

“I went to Portugal, Italy, South America and finished up in Jamaica. We went on 29 planes starting from Venezuela and going all around the Caribbean.

“I always played football with my brother. We saw it [the team] advertised and I went along. He said, ‘Can you kick a ball?’, and that was it, I was in.”

Myra , 90, from Stockport, said: “It was brilliant. I joined in 1954 and went to Portugal twice, Madeira, Germany, Holland and the Isle of Man.

“It all started when I was playing table tennis and a guy came to the door and said that one of his table tennis players was ill and would I mind filling in.

“I went to the WCA and met a girl called Ann Robinson who ran the table tennis team. She told me that she played on a woman’s football team, I told her it sounded interesting and asked to go along.

“She took me with her that Sunday, I spoke to the manager and he said he’ll see how I shape. I must have shaped ok because I was in.”

“It was lovely and I’d do it all again tomorrow.

Margaret, 80, originally from Fallowfield, added: “I started playing when I was 12 in 1958.

“I went to Holland first with the team as I was too young, just to get a bit of experience with them.

“Then when I was 14, we went to South America for three months, then Italy, Tunisa, France.

“It was a fantastic time and I loved every minute of it. I just started playing with the lads when I was young, I’ve always liked football.

“My family are big football supporters so I’ve been born into it. It’s sad when you think I want to do it all again but I can’t!”

Margaret, 79, from Tyldesley, said: “I was Margaret Taylor when I played and was nicknamed ‘Tiny Taylor’.

“I started with the team in 1967 purely by accident. I met a girl playing netball for the civil service and we had a kick about at half time.

“She asked if I played football and I said, ‘No – women don’t play football’. She said, ‘Oh yes they do, I play!’

“She took me along one Sunday and I never looked back. I was very fortunate to get to France to win the European cup against Juventus.”

The Corinthians with players from Bolton Wanders LFC (Image: Lisa Valentine – Newsquest)

Helen said the response in Bolton had been particularly significant.

She said: “We were really blown away by the response to the film in Bolton and how proud people were to have this Boltonian legend at the centre of the film.

“On the day our film has its first national screenings, we wanted to make the Bolton event extra special.

“Percy Ashley was what we would call a true ‘male ally’ these days.

“He founded a women’s football team against all odds, defying the establishment to help his amazing footballer daughter, Doris, play the game she loved.

“Today they are recognised as one of the greatest women’s football teams this country has ever had.

“Unfortunately, Percy and Doris never lived to see the historic apology their story has sparked from The FA, but we want to keep the memory of his contribution alive.”

Percy’s great granddaughters, Alison Norris and Karen Martin were also at the Bolton screening.

Alison said: “We’ve been involved with the Corinthian’s and the making of the film since the beginning.

“Before that, during the Women’s Euro’s in 2022, I saw a mention of Percy Ashley and thought, ‘that’s my relative, what’s his name doing there?’.

“That’s how it all started. I met ‘Tiny’ at one of the Euro games and then she told me what they were trying to do with the film.

“Doris was our great aunt and she didn’t talk about it. We knew there was a connection but we didn’t have clue to what extent.

“I can’t believe what they [the filmmakers] found out and that we can see Percy on screen – that’s amazing.”

Karen said: “I’m really excited to come and be able to see the film as I was away for the premiere.

“It’s phenomenal what they all did. The sad thing is that no-one really seems to know about it, it seems to be a secret almost.

“The story is an amazing, fantastic one. There’s nothing better than a true story and what the achieved at that time and travelling abroad as women was phenomenal.”  

Percy’s great granddaughters, Alison Norris (R) and Karen Martin (Image: Lisa Valentine – Newsquest)

The film has also drawn national attention for its role in prompting an apology from The Football Association for the historic ban on women’s football, after early screenings at HOME in Manchester led to a public campaign backed by Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham.

In a statement, the FA said: “Manchester Corinthians Ladies FC were pioneers of women’s football.

The pics of the team in South America with the plane has Percy on the left and Doris is five people along to the right wearing a flowery dress. (Image: Films Not Words)

Through their unwavering spirit, talent and determination, they blazed a trail for women’s football around the world.

The pic of the team in Portugal has Percy centre, Doris is front row centre, blond hair and white top with the ball. (Image: Films Not Words)

“We are sorry that a ban on women’s football was introduced in 1921 and not revoked until 1971.

“We recognise the courage of the teams and individuals who continued to play the game during this period.”

The documentary has won Best of The Fest (Feature) at NEIFF and Best Documentary at the Northampton Film Festival and had its London premiere at the Women in Film & TV Festival in Covent Garden.

Marlene Cook playing for the Corinthians abroad (centre right) (Image: Marlene Cook)

Supported by the National Football Museum and backed by England and Manchester United player Ella Toone, the project was funded through crowdfunding, along with sponsorship from BT Group and Tech Mahindra.

The Bolton screening also marked the film’s first nationwide release, with showings planned at 14 Light cinemas across the country.

Paul Inkum, 31, of Barwick Street, Scarborough, pleaded guilty to driving without a licence and without insurance in Scarborough and was banned from driving for six months. He was fined £457 and ordered to pay £90 prosecution costs and a £183 statutory surcharge.

Philip Clarkson, 45, of Moorside, Newby, Scarborough, pleaded guilty to failure to inform police who was driving his car when it allegedly committed a traffic offence. He was banned from driving for six months, was fined £666 and ordered to pay £120 prosecution costs and a £266 statutory surcharge.

Robert Rose, 32, of Scholes Park Avenue, Scarborough, failed to respond to a court summons and was convicted in his absence of careless driving and driving with an obscured numberplate in Scarborough. He was fined £440, ordered to pay £130 prosecution costs and a £176 statutory surcharge and given six penalty points.

Sam Haupt, 23, of Church Lane, Dunnington, York, was convicted of failure to tell police who was driving his car when it allegedly committed a motoring offence.  He was banned from driving for six months, fined £660 and ordered to pay £120 prosecution costs.

John Walker, 27, of Fransham Road in Middlesbrough, received a four-year banning order following an incident at a Middlesbrough game against Derby at the Riverside Stadium in February 2022.

Walker was involved in fights in Middlesbrough town centre both before and after the game.

He pleaded guilty to a public order offence and was issued the four-year banning order at Teesside Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, April 29.

The order means that Walker cannot enter the Middlesbrough FC stadium for any games, or any premises for the purpose of attending football matches throughout the UK for the next four years.

Paul Hunter, aged 65, of Wallington Walk in Billingham, also received a three-year banning order on Wednesday, April 29.

Hunter attended a Boxing Day match in 2025 at the Prestige Group Stadium.

Hartlepool United FC played Scunthorpe United when he shouted racial abuse at a player.

He was arrested and later charged with racially aggravated public order.

The 65-year-old must also carry out 120 hours of unpaid work within the next twelve months.

Hunter can no longer attend Hartlepool United FC matches or attend any premises for the purpose of attending football matches throughout the UK for the next three years.

PC Chris Hilton said: “No matter the passage of time, we will continue to pursue banning orders for those who are intent on becoming involved in violent and unwanted behaviour at football matches in Cleveland.

“Those people can expect to be put before the courts.

“Most people want to attend football matches for enjoyment, and they shouldn’t have to put up with violence or vile racist incidents as a result.”