Death – Obituary – Accident and Crime News : Two Catholic men, Eamon Fox and Gary Convie, were tragically shot dead in a car in Belfast’s North Queen Street in May 1994. Now, in a court case years later, the prosecution’s case against the accused murderer, James Stewart Smyth, is being called into question.
During the trial, Smyth’s defense lawyers argued that the prosecution’s case is deeply flawed and weak. Smyth denies killing Fox and Convie, as well as the attempted murder of a third man, known as Witness A. He also denies possession of a Sten sub machine gun and ammunition with intent, and being a member of the Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF).
The trial has heard that Smyth’s DNA was found on the inside collar of a Barbour jacket, which was located in a bag alongside the murder weapon in a derelict house near the crime scene. Former UVF chief Gary Haggarty, who turned supergrass, identified Smyth as the gunman.
However, Smyth’s defense team suggested that Haggarty may have been motivated to provide Smyth’s name due to his own interests and connections with the Special Branch. They also argued that Haggarty may have pointed the finger at Smyth to divert attention from others within the UVF.
Smyth’s defense further questioned the eyewitness accounts of the gunman’s height, stating that witnesses described him as tall and skinny, while Smyth is notably short. They argued that there is no independent supporting evidence to convict Smyth based solely on Haggarty’s claim.
The issue of Smyth’s DNA match on the jacket was also raised, with his defense team stating that it does not prove his association with the jacket at the time of the shooting.
In response, the prosecution argued that multiple descriptions given by eyewitnesses from different angles make it difficult to definitively determine the gunman’s height. They also pointed out that the jacket with Smyth’s DNA was directly associated with the gun used in the murders.
After hearing submissions from both sides, the judge, Mr. Justice O’Hara, announced that he would take time to reflect before ruling on the “no case to answer” application on January 9th.
As the trial continues, the families of Eamon Fox and Gary Convie wait for justice and closure, hoping that the truth will finally be revealed. The outcome of this case will have significant implications for the pursuit of justice in Northern Ireland’s troubled history.