INFORMATION relating to the murder of Trillick councillor Patsy Kelly which his family say was originally “ignored” by police has prompted the Police Ombudsman to re-prioritise the case almost 40 years after his death.

Mr Kelly (33) was murdered in July 1974. He was last seen walking home from the Corner Bar in Trillick which he managed.

His body had been weighed down and dumped in Lough Eyes.

But his remains were not found until a month later when they broke free and rose to the surface.

“Devastated” that to date, no report into his death has ever been completed, Mr Kelly’s family met with Police Ombudsman Dr Michael Maguire over a fortnight ago, raising their concerns over “police failings” in the case.

Shauna Carbery, solicitor with Patrick Fahy and Co say the family “cautiously welcome” the news that the case is to be given priority.

“We met with the Dr Maguire to bring to his attention our concerns about police failings in the case including fresh information that has come to us which was available at the time but hadn’t been considered or followed up at the time by police,” she explained, “He has now identified that these apparent failings a sufficient enough for him to prioritise the case.

“Police failings had been identified in the family’s original complaint in 2002. They are devastated that in 12 years, despite a number of reviews there has never been a report into his murder.” Ms Carberry said a new review into the case was likely to be launched at the end of this year. Thereafter the family hope to have a report as soon as possible.

“The family are delighted that Dr Maguire took carriage of their concerns. It is unacceptable that the state has not properly investigated a complaint that is 12 years old.