Hazzard welcomes the findings from the Policing Ombudsman inquiry on the death of Colum Marks
Sinn Féin MP Chris Hazzard has welcomed findings from the Policing Ombudsman which concluded the investigation into the 1991 execution of Colum Marks “lacked independence and rigour”.
Welcoming this, the South Down MP said: “Colum Marks’ family have courageously fought for decades to reveal the truth into his execution by the RUC, and today is testament to their strength, resilience and determination.
“These findings support what Colum’s family and the entire community knew all along; that he was unarmed, unmasked and not posing a threat when he was executed.
“Unsurprisingly, much of the evidence was destroyed by the RUC, and former officers also did not cooperate with the investigation, and that unfortunately means many questions remain unanswered.
“Sinn Féin will continue to support the Marks family.”
Colm Marks died at 9.30am on the 10th April 1991 near Folly Lane in Downparick. The Policing Ombudsman said that Marks had run through a gap in a hedge into an area under surveillance by the police as they suspected a mortar bomb in place.
The police officer fired 5 shots, two of which fatally hit Marks.
On Wednesday 14th April 2018, the Policing Ombudsman decided to hold an inquiry into the shooting and in May 2023, held a meeting in Downpatrick to call for evidence.
The former RUC member who shot Marks claims he had shouted out orders for Marks to stop who he claims kept on running towards him and that he was in fear of his life and therefore shot in self-defence.
The Public Prosecution Service initially decided not to prosecute the RUC officer on the basis that his position did not meet a reasonable test for prosecution.
