[2][3][4] On 12 March 1979 when Downes was 16 he was arrested and charged for being in a youth wing of the Provisional IRA, but wasn't given any jail time as long as he promised to stay out of trouble.
[1][5] Downes would marry his long time girlfriend Brenda in January 1983; their marriage was held at the St. Agnes Church.
[1][6] On 12 August 1984, John Downes accompanied with his wife Brenda and their 18-month old daughter, Claire attended a anti-internment rally in Andersonstown in front of the Connolly House.
Brenda and Claire left soon after the rioting started, but John stayed; a while later Downes who was wielding a stick approached two constables whose backs were turned.
Downes’ death was one of the main reasons for the formation of the United Campaign Against Plastic Bullets, which was founded by Emma Groves and Clara Reilly.