Daniel McColgan inquest leaves unanswered questions about UDA murder

THE ADMISSION by Coroner John Leckey at the inquest of postal worker Daniel McColgan (pictured), shot dead by the UDA in 2002, that he could not reach any conclusions on key elements of the case once again highlights the limitations of the North's coronial system.

The inquest, sitting in Belfast, also heard that bullet casings, crucial pieces of evidence, had disappeared from the custody chain, an occurrence that he said he found “incredulous”. He said it must be a matter of great concern that exhibits in an unsolved murder should have disappeared.

The coroner told the family it was not possible for him to allay all the rumours surrounding the killing and referred to speculation that the killers knew that a camera on the sorting office overlooking the scene of the killings was not operating.

The camera, which could have captured at least part of the attack, was installed a number of years earlier after the UDA tried to kill another Catholic postman at the Rathcoole depot.

“That camera had been inoperative for some time and there had been a gross failure to ensure that it functioned as intended.” said Leckey.

He added:

“Also, I am unable to reach any conclusion, again on the balance of probabilities, as to whether any member or members of the workforce at the sorting office provided any information or assistance to those involved in the murder.

“However, I am satisfied that careful planning had preceded this sectarian murder, which included the acquisition of knowledge at the time Daniel was due to commence work that day.”

Commenting on the case, Sinn Féin North Belfast MLA and spokesperson on policing and justice issues Gerry Kelly said:

“The inquest into the murder of Daniel McColgan has thrown up more questions about the investigation of his killing, including the use of public immunity certificates by the PSNI, which allows the state to withhold evidence.

“The family of Daniel McColgan deserve to know the truth and that includes how evidence could have gone missing in such a high profile murder case,” Gerry Kelly said.

● See also McColgan killers being protected by PSNI, says priest