Former senior RUC Special Branch member had 'no recollection' of events leading to death of two Derry men

A former senior member of the RUC Special Branch in Derry has told an inquest into the deaths of two local men he has 'no recollection' of events that led to the deaths.

The witness known as PW2 was giving evidence to the inquest into the deaths of William Fleming (19) from the Waterside and Daniel Doherty (23) from Creggan who were shot dead by the SAS in the grounds of Gransha Hospital on December 6 1984.

He told the court that he had been a member of the RUC for almost 40 years and had been involved with Special Branch in the early 1980s holding the rank of Detective Chief Inspector.

Shot dead . . . Danny Doherty, left, and William Fleming.

The witness said he had 'no recollection' of the events of December 6 1984 nor could he recall any information on either of the deceased.

PW2 did outline some of the procedures that covered the relationship between the Special Military Unit and Special Branch.

He said that the usual procedure was for the Military Liason Officer to attend Strand Road barracks to speak to Special Branch.

The witness said he could not recall ever giving a briefing to the SMU nor could he recall being asked to approve a SMU operation.

PW2 suffers from health issues and as a result the Coroner, Mr Justice Ian Huddleston, ruled that it was 'neither practical or desirable' for the witness to be subjected to questions from counsel so he was excused.

The inquest will resume next week.