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Police apologise to family over murder investigation

Claire GrahamBBC News NI
Pacemaker Fergal McCusker has thick brown hair parted to the side and has heavy stubble. He is wearing a blue coat, with a white and red collar and a grey jumper beneath it.Pacemaker
Fergal McCusker was murdered by loyalists in January 1998

The PSNI has apologised to the family of a man murdered by the Loyalist Volunteer Force (LVF) as part of a settlement agreed at the High Court in Belfast.

Fergal McCusker, 28, was shot dead in Maghera, County Londonderry, in January 1998.

As part of the settlement, the PSNI said while it does not accept liability for the case, it recognises the investigation fell below the expected standards.

It said it recognised that those shortcomings brought additional distress.

An inquest into the killing was halted in 2024 amid issues around information being withheld on grounds of security.

Mr McCusker's mother, Christina, sued the police for alleged negligence and misfeasance in public office.

On Tuesday, her solicitor, Pádraig Ó Muirigh, announced that undisclosed damages form part of the resolution.

"I can confirm that the settlement is significant and our client is satisfied with the outcome of this litigation," he said.

Mark McCusker, a nephew of the murdered man, told BBC News NI the words of the police apology were "mediocre".

"It is the end of civil action but not for the campaign for truth and justice. No settlement will ever equate for a life," he said.

"It was a mediocre apology, and we believe that actions speak louder than words."

However, judge Mr Justice Rooney commended both parties for the resolution of the settled claim, saying it was an "example of how a civil claim can bring closure".

He added that for the police to accept responsibilities and acknowledge they had learned from such cases strengthens public confidence "which is a step forward".

Fergal McCusker's family outside the High Court in Belfast which can be seen in the background behind black iron railings. It is a classical-style building in Portland Stone. There are three men and five women including Fergal's mother Christina who is in the centre in a blue coat, with short blonde hair and red-rimmed glasses. She and the woman on the far right are holding up photos of Fergal who has brown hair and is wearing a formal outfit with a winged collar and cravat.
Fergal McCusker's family attended the High Court hearing in Belfast

Mr McCusker's body was found behind a youth club in Maghera.

Although a number of suspects were arrested, no-one has ever been prosecuted or convicted of his murder.

The victim had returned from America where he had been working shortly before he was killed.