Police apologise to family over murder investigation

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".

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.