Convicted IRA bomber names four men he says were behind 1974 Birmingham pub bombings that killed 21

Four men were today named in court as IRA terrorists who carried out the 1974 Birmingham bombings.

Inquests are currently being held into the deaths of twenty-one people who were killed in two explosions at the Mulberry Bush and the Tavern in the Town pubs in November 1974. 

An ex-IRA member today gave bombshell evidence in which he named four of those behind the attacks and gave the nicknames of two others.

The former volunteer, named in court only as 'Witness O', said Seamus McLoughlan was the commander of the Birmingham IRA at the time and selected the targets.

He said Mick Murray and Michael Hayes were part of the bombing team and another man, James Gavin, was also involved. 

Witness O said that he had been given permission to name the men by the current head of the IRA in Dublin.

Murray, McLoughlan and Gavin have all since died while Witness O claims Hayes has protection from prosecution following the peace process.

Two years ago, Hayes issued a public apology for the bombings, saying he was part of the group responsible, but declined to say if he planted the bombs.

Witness O's testimony today suggests Hayes, who is thought to live in Dublin, was promised he would not be pursued under the Good Friday Agreement.

Witness O said: 'He can't be arrested. There is nobody going to be charged with this atrocity. The British Government have signed an agreement with the IRA.' 

Gavin died in 2002, Murray in 1999 and McLoughlin in 2014. McLoughlin given full paramilitary-style 'honours' at his funeral, with masked men firing shots over his coffin. 

In court today, Witness O was accused of protecting another man previously linked to the bombings, Michael Patrick Reilly, who is also still alive.

When asked about him by the victims' families' QC, Lesley Thomas, Witness O  replied: 'No, I don't remember him at all. Reilly? I would remember that.'

The barrister then told him Mr Reilly was known as 'The Young Planter'.

Mr Thomas said: 'You know who he is, don't you? He's the one you're protecting, isn't he?'

The witness replied: 'Who? Protecting who? No.'





MailOnline