Man wrongly convicted of Birmingham pub bombings dies at age of 80
Paddy Hill was among a group which became known as the Birmingham Six.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A man who was wrongly convicted of IRA attacks on pubs in Birmingham in 1974 has died at the age of 80.
Paddy Hill was among a group of men from Northern Ireland jailed for the atrocity who became known as the Birmingham Six.
Some 21 people were killed in explosions at two Birmingham city centre pubs in November 1974.
The Birmingham Six spent almost two decades in prison for the bombings before their convictions were quashed in 1991.
The Miscarriages of Justice Organisation (MOJO) said that Mr Hill died peacefully at home in Ayrshire being cared for by his wife Tara on Monday morning.
In a statement, the group said: “Our organisation MOJO, started by Paddy with his own compensation (itself never adequate reparation for his experience) exists for no other reason than to struggle to put right the consequences of other wrongful convictions.
“We share the belief of his lawyer and friend Gareth Peirce that Paddy was quite simply, the bravest of the brave.
“We have all been profoundly affected by the privilege of encountering the extraordinary strength and determination of Paddy’s life and spirit.”
Just three of the Birmingham Six are still living, including Gerry Hunter, John Walker and Billy Power.
Hugh Callaghan died in 2023 and Richard McIlkenny died in 2006.