Top Issue 1-2024

6 August 1998 Edition

Resize: A A A Print

Back issue: Brit goes berserk

Since preparations began for the West Belfast Festival, which started on Sunday 7 August, there has been a marked increase in the number of British Army and RUC in the area.

Shortly after 10.00am on Monday 8 August, Patricia Austin, who is pregnant, was sitting in her husband's van, outside her home in Springhill, when a British Army foot patrol arrived. She told AP/RN:

``One of the Brits thumped the side of the van and shouted, ``come on out, Dennis''. I shouted back, ``he's not here'', at which point the Brit started to shout obscenities. I told him to take himself off. He just went beserk. He smashed the side window of the van with his rifle butt and was screaming like a madman.''

Dennis Austin ran out of the house to see a soldier dragging his wife from the van. He ran over to stop them and three soldiers immediately set about him with rifle butts and boots. Luckily the majority of the blows landed on his back although he did sustain an injury to his eye. During the incident, one of the soldiers struck Patricia on the forearm as she attempted to protect her husband. As local people began to gather, the foot patrol ran off jeering and laughing.

An Phoblacht 11 August 1988


An Phoblacht
44 Parnell Sq.
Dublin 1
Ireland