John Hemsworth | |
|---|---|
| Born | 13 November 1958 Kearney, New Jersey, United States |
| Died | 1 January 1998 (aged 39) Belfast, Northern Ireland |
| Spouse | Colette Hemsworth |
| Children | 1 |
John Hemsworth (13 November 1958 – 1 January 1998) was anIrish-American plumber who was beaten by constables of theRoyal Ulster Constabulary, which caused him to die from ahemorrhagic stroke in January 1998. Hemsworth was the last civilian killed by security forces inthe Troubles.
John Hemsworth was born on 13 November 1958, inKearny, New Jersey, but a few years later his family immigrated toBelfast.[1][2]
Hemsworth would have three daughters, two in a previous relationship and one with his wife Colette Hemsworth.[3]
On 7 July 1997, Hemsworth was walking to his home on Conway Street from a night out at the St. Gall'sGAA club; he would have usually gotten a taxi but they were unavailable due to the1997 Northern Ireland riots, during theDrumcree conflict. At around 1:45 a.m. while he was walking along Malcolmson Street, several constables of the RUC Operational Support Unit Blue Section assaulted him with batons and kicked him while he was on the ground, the assault left him with a broken jaw, a injured neck and severe bruising to his body.[4][5][6]
When Hemsworth got home, he told his wife Colette what had happened, and she advised him to seek medical treatment; he was admitted to theRoyal Victoria Hospital at 2:21am.[1][5][7]
Hemsworth reported the assault to his solicitors on 10 July.[8]
In November 1997 Hemsworth was diagnosed withpanic disorder by a at home doctor, after he complained of severe pain.[8]
On 27 December Hemsworth was admitted to theBelfast City Hospital after he had fallen ill, and five days later on 1 January 1998 he would die from a major hemorrhagic stroke.[1][8][9]
In September 2009 an inquest was held surrounding Hemsworth's death, Hemsworth’s wife Colette showed photographs of John shortly after his beating. Ultimately the inquest was adjourned.[10]
The inquest continued in 2011, and on 16 May 2011 after reviewing the photographs from Colette, it was declared that the injuries he sustained from the RUC was one of if not the main reason for his death.[1][4][8][11]
