Patrick Crawford: Soldier ‘more than likely’ shot dead 15-year-old, coroner finds

Speaking outside the court, Patrick’s younger sister and brother, Maggie and John Crawford, said they we “delighted with the outcome”.

“It’s been hanging over us for years, Patrick has been portrayed as a terrorist – he was only a wee lad, he was 15,” Ms Crawford said.

“My father, god rest him, fought tooth and nail to get this and he didn’t get to see the verdict but the family is all happy with what we found out today.”

“Three years before this our mother was shot dead in a crossfire. We lived in number 13 and were unlucky, but Patrick was innocent, my mummy was innocent,” Mr Crawford said.

Maggie was nine years old and John was 11 when Patrick was killed.

“We were only kids,” they both said.

“It was a big, big loss to us when Patrick went – a big loss,” Mr Crawford added.

The family were represented by solicitor Patricia Coyle who said it was “a very important verdict” for both her clients and other families “who are fighting for resolution” in legacy cases.

“The Court of Appeal has already indicated how important the inquest and coronial system is here in Northern Ireland for these families,” Ms Coyle said.

“Today is an absolute demonstration of that importance and the uncovering of information and conclusions which lead to justice and progress and healing for the families.”