New witnesses came forward earlier this year to say that Larkin was with them in the Highfield Social Club at the time of the attack on Adair and another man near the Shankill Road, Belfast in March 1993.

The new evidence allowed a retrial of Larkin’s case. Larkin has said he will now work for other prisoners who have been wrongfully convicted. After Larkin was originally arrested by the RUC his family home was fired on by loyalists. He appealed to loyalists that he and his family be allowed to “get on with their lives” but within a week they denied his plea.

Patrick Larkin had his life threatened by loyalists on May 21. It happened when he was driving through the Shankill Road, taking a shortcut into Belfast City Centre.

At a set of traffic lights a car behind him containing three men started flashing its lights. Patrick recognised the men as associates of Johnny Adair who he had seen in court during Stephen's trial. Patrick accelerated away and was followed by the loyalists, who managed to pull alongside him at Lanark.

“These guys weren't messing about,” Patrick said. “The three of them are well-known loyalists and as pals of Johnny Adair you can take it that when they hand out threats they can back them up. I don't know what would have happened if they had managed to get their hands on me.”

The Larkins have reported the incident to their solicitor but haven't approached the RUC. “After what they've done to Stephen and this family, the last thing we're going to do is go to the RUC and ask for help,” said Kate Larkin, Stephen's mother.
Archive 96 Index

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