Plastic bullet victim's family demand fresh inquest

The family of a Derry schoolboy killed by a plastic bullet fired by a soldier 30 years ago have called for a fresh inquest into the killing.

Eleven-year-old Stephen McConomy was playing with friends in the Bogside when he was shot in the head.

The soldier, from the Royal Anglian Regiment, claimed he fired the shot by accident and was never prosecuted.

On Thursday, 19 April, the McConomy family will unveil a plaque in his memory in the Bosgide.

The dead boy's family are now working with the Historical Enquiries Team, which is reviewing killings during the troubles.

Stephen's brother, Emmett, explained why they want a new inquest.

"At the time when Stephen was shot there was no disturbance, which is quite clearly recorded in the police statement at the time, that the area was quiet," he said

"The policeman actually stated that he could not understand why the baton round was discharged.

"Stephen was hit at very, very close range. He was shot in the back of the head. He had his hands in his pocket and was walking away from the Saracen. He was an 11-year-old child who had just finished primary school and had made his confirmation only a fortnight beforehand."

He said soldiers had threatened to shoot eye-witnesses after his brother was hit with the plastic bullet.