PSNI pays damages to families of UVF murder victims

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 4 Nov, 21:15 · Archive

The Police Service of Northern Ireland has paid undisclosed damages to relatives of four Catholics murdered by the UVF in County Tyrone in 1992.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland has paid undisclosed damages to settle civil actions brought by relatives of four Catholics murdered by the Ulster Volunteer Force in 1992. Kevin McKearney, 32, and his uncle Jack, 69, were shot at their family butcher shop in Moy, County Tyrone, in January. Charles and Teresa Fox, aged 65 and 53 respectively, were gunned down at their home in the same village later that year. A UVF unit led by loyalist Billy 'King Rat' Wright carried out the killings.

The families sued the Chief Constable and the Ministry of Defence, alleging misfeasance in public office in connection with the murders and alleged involvement of state agents. The High Court heard that negotiations led to settlement of the cases against the PSNI, with the Chief Constable paying damages and legal costs. The actions against the Ministry of Defence were discontinued. The judge said the families had gone through a 'torturous' process and described the four victims as innocent people who had been brutally murdered.

Kevin McKearney's widow Bernie said the settlement was 'nice' but expressed frustration that accountability remained elusive. 'Nobody is ever going to be held accountable,' she said. 'I feel we are never going to get justice.' Solicitor Gavin Booth said the damages were 'significant' and claimed it was the first time the state had acknowledged any role in what happened.

How it is being reported

• PSNI to pay damages to families of UVF murder victimsSolicitor Gavin Booth of Phoenix Law, who represented Bernadette McKearney and the Fox family, claimed it was the first time the state has acknowledged any role in what happenedBelfast Live · 4 Nov, 16:08
• PSNI to pay damages to relatives of murdered UVF victimsRelatives of Charles and Teresa Fox and Kevin McKearney sued the police over the alleged involvement of state agents.BBC Northern Ireland · 4 Nov, 14:21

In this story: Charles Fox · Teresa Fox · Kevin McKearney · Jack McKearney · Police Service of Northern Ireland · Ulster Volunteer Force · Moy · County Tyrone

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem · Corrections log