Police were today ordered by a coroner to hand over files from their complaints and discipline branch for an inquest into the death of a man found dead two days after making a 999 call to which police did not respond.
James McClory (59) was found dead in his home at Juniper Way, Twinbrook, Belfast in June 1998, when his wife returned from a weekend away.
More than a decade ago police admitted they were guilty of “neglect of duty” for not responding to the emergency call.
A knife used in three violent robberies of the neighbouring houses two days before Mr McClory was found dead was discovered in his house.
It is suspected he may have died of a heart attack following an attempted robbery.
Phone records showed he had made a 999 call on the night the other houses were robbed, but that police did not turn out.
The Independent Commission for Police Complaints carried out an investigation into the police inaction and two officers were disciplined for neglect of duty.
A number of attempts to hold an inquest have failed but at a preliminary hearing in Belfast coroner Suzanne Anderson, ordering the hand-over of files, said she wanted no more delay.
Three days at the start of September have been set aside for the inquest and the coroner said: “I am anxious we don’t have to adjourn again. The family have waited long enough.”
Told that a PSNI sergeant due to give evidence on the 999 system was on long term sick leave, Ms Anderson said if he was still off work by the time of the inquest his inspector should attend instead.
PA