Catholic shot dead by army 'was innocent'

A CATHOLIC man shot dead by the army in Northern Ireland 40 years ago was innocent, a report has said.

Billy McKavanagh, 21, was gunned down as he ran away when confronted by soldiers near Belfast city centre. He was shot in the back.

The soldier responsible maintains the person he shot was armed. But a report from the police's Historic Enquiries Team (HET) said Mr McKavanagh had not been carrying the weapon, a rivet gun that had been looted and left lying in the street in August 1971 and was picked up by members of his group.

The report said: "Billy's death was an absolute tragedy that should not have happened."

Mr McKavanagh was shot by a soldier from the 1st Battalion, the Royal Green Jackets in the early hours of 11 August, 1971. He had no criminal convictions or connection with any illegal organisation.

His family are now asking for an apology. The Ministry of Defence has asked for a copy of the HET report.