RUC 'knew nothing of riot plan'

The RUC had no prior knowledge of planned civil unrest ahead of a riot which saw a man crushed to death by an Army vehicle, an inquest has heard.

Dermot McShane, 36, a former INLA man, was run over during serious rioting in Londonderry in July 1996.

The inquest previously heard claims then RUC Chief Constable Sir Ronnie Flanagan believed there was specific intelligence of what was planned.

However, a retired officer said police were merely reacting to the situation.

Derek Brown was a superintendent during the rioting on Little James Street on 13 July 1996.

He said police resources were at a minimum in the city because officers had been sent to Portadown because of loyalist violence during the Drumcree dispute.

Officers normally on administrative duty were among those drafted in because of staffing levels, Mr Brown told the second day of the inquest.

Intelligence

He said if intelligence of planned disruptions had been available to the police, more officers would have been available to him.

He said he took the decision to call in soldiers experienced in dealing with public order situations following an assessment of threats to properties and lives.

The trouble in Derry flared after Orangemen walked down Portadown's Garvaghy Road.

At the opening of the inquest into Mr McShane's death, coroner Brian Sherrard was told Sir Ronnie Flanagan allegedly told Human Rights Watch the police had specific intelligence of what was to happen in the city that week in July 1996.

However, a barrister for the police said the historical inquiries team reported there was no intelligence available.

The inquest continues.