SOLDIERS did not use reasonable force in the killing of five people in the Springhill-Westrock area of West Belfast on the same say in July 1972, a judge has ruled.

Five people were shot dead on July 9, 1972 by the British Army, including three children, a father-of-six, and a priest.

Those who shot dead that day were Margaret Gargan (13); John Dougal (16); David McCafferty (14); father-of-six Patrick Butler (38); and Fr Noel Fitzpatrick (42), who was based at Corpus Christi Church.

An inquest into the massacre was completed in 2024 just hours before a deadline which shut down inquests in Troubles-related killings came into effect due to the British government’s controversial Legacy Act.

On Thursday, families gathered at Belfast Laganside Court for the verdict by Mr Justice Scoffield.

On Thursday afternoon it was ruled that Fr Noel Fitzpatrick, father-of-six Patrick Butler and 15-year-old David McCafferty, who were shot by the same soldier, posed "no threat to anyone". Fr Fitzpatrick and Patrick Butler were shot by the same bullet.

13-year-old Margaret Gargan, who was shot by a different soldier, posed "no risk at all".

The inquest heard that the force used against 16-year-old John Dougal, was "not reasonable".

All five had been shot by soldiers firing from Corry's Yard.