Courts / Louth / Report

Relatives of man murdered during the troubles seek commission of investigation

Date
2016-01-18
Stage
Charge Or Pretrial
Primary locality
Louth
County
Louth

Summary

The family of Seamus Ludlow, a 47‑year‑old forester from Co. Louth who was shot dead on 1 May 1976, has filed a High Court action demanding that the State set up a commission of investigation into his murder. Ludlow's body was found near his home in Culfore, Dundalk, and no one has ever been charged. The family says the Gardaí investigation was suspended after three weeks, that the police failed to follow up on information from the RUC about loyalist suspects, and that the Gardaí allegedly spread a smear campaign blaming the IRA. They allege possible involvement of British Army or UK state agents, citing the kidnapping of Ludlow's brother‑in‑law and questioning by a SAS officer. An Oireachtas committee in 2006 recommended a formal inquiry; the family argues the State's refusal to establish a commission breaches their constitutional rights and the European Convention on Human Rights.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Relatives of man murdered during the troubles seek commission of investigation. Procedural stage: charge_or_pretrial

When:

Why: Counsel said his clients are seeking an early date for the hearing of the matter amid concerns that there maybe a change of government in the coming weeks and because several members of Mr Ludlow's family are now aged in their eighties. CNI source report

Places mentioned

Residence
Court Venue
  • High Court

Topics

Stage Charge Or Pretrial Violent Crime

Related court reports

Read the original CNI report

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