BOBBY STOTT 40: UDR man murdered on his own doorstep - ‘For God’s sake stop this killing’
Mr Stott, was shot in the back and head as he was walking to his home in the new estate, on the former gaol site, off Bishop Street, from his work as a shirt cutter in a factory about 300 yards away.
Mr Stott, who was single, was a son of Mr Myles Stott, a well-known and respected member of the community, who is Superintendent of the Guildhall and at present is on duty at the temporary offices of the City Council.
Tragic Loss - Mayor
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Hide AdA shock of revulsion at the brutal murder swept through the city and at the meeting of the City Council two hours later the same evening the Mayor, Alderman Ivor Canavan, said: “It seems to me that all of us must leave no stone unturned until men guilty of such acts are brought to justice.
The Mayor said the young man’s father, a Council employee, was a man loved and respected by them all.
Mr Stott had suffered a tragic loss in that his son was shot down in cold blood.
Work for naught
“I find it difficult to find words to condemn an act of this sort,” said the Mayor, who added, “The work in this Council seems for naught when such an act can be perpetrated in the streets of this city.”
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Hide AdThe previous Mayor, Alderman J Allen, said: “This young man in his early twenties, was brutally murdered.
“The people of the area are very concerned about the matter.”
Mr Patrick Devine, SDLP, said he reechoed what had been said and added: “The tragedy of our country is that too many people are trying to solve their problem by the gun.
“If we could release ourselves from this course maybe we could go forward.”
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Hide AdAbout 100 wreaths were laid on the grave and they included one inscribed: “From the mothers of Creggan and Bogside.”
The Deputy Mayor, Alderman James Hegarty, said: “I would plead, for God’s sake, don’t let’s have another winter of this shooting.
“Here was a young man in the prime of his life cut down from his family.
“Again, I would plead for God’s sake stop this killing.”
The Council stood in silence for a minute as a mark of sympathy with Mr Stott and his family.
Bishop’s condemnation
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Hide AdStatements condemning the murder were issued by the Bishops, Rt. Rev. Dr Robert Eames, and Most Rev. Dr Edward Daly.
Dr Eames who visited Fountain Street estate appealed for restraint.
Dr Daly said like every reasonable-minded citizen he must express his horror and revulsion at this callous murder.
The young man’s father was known and respected throughout the community, and they offered their sincere sympathy to him and the other members of the family circle.
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Hide Ad“Murder cannot be justified by spurious excuses and intimidation or harassment,” he said.
“Let me say clearly that no excuse justifies murder, which is the most serious offence against God or man,” said the Bishop, who added: “The people who seem bent on creating sectarian conflict in Derry must be isolated and rejected by the whole community.”
Deepen divisions
The two SDLP Convention members, Mr John Hume and Mr Michael Canavan, said: “We condemn this callous cold-blooded murder of Robert Stott, son of a well-known and respected local family.”
Their statement added: “It can only deepen the divisions and postpone peace.”