PSNI pays undisclosed sum to relatives of 1992 UVF murders

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has agreed to pay undisclosed damages related to loyalist shootings in County Tyrone that resulted in the deaths of four Catholic individuals. The victims—Charles and Teresa Fox, Kevin McKearney, and John McKearney—were killed in separate attacks carried out by the Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF) in Moy in 1992. The families of the deceased, who pursued legal action against the PSNI over the alleged involvement of state agents, have now reached a civil settlement.

At a hearing in Belfast’s High Court, it was revealed that the compensation package follows extensive negotiations, with the police also covering all associated legal costs. Judge Mr Justice Rooney expressed sympathy for the families, acknowledging the profound pain caused by the brutal murders, stating, “I can’t imagine the pain and suffering you have gone through.” He also expressed hope that the settlement might bring some closure to the bereaved. Despite this, the government has previously refused to initiate a public inquiry into the killings, even though a coroner recommended this as the best course of action. It is important to note that the inquests into the murders were halted two years ago due to undisclosed sensitive intelligence.

Kevin McKearney, a father of four, was fatally shot while working behind the counter at the family butcher shop on January 3, 1992. His uncle John—known as Jack—was seriously wounded during the same incident and died three months later from his injuries. Later that year, on September 6, Charles and Teresa Fox were found shot dead in their home by two of their children. The Foxes, aged 63 and 54, had six children, and were related to Kevin McKearney by marriage. These tragic events have left a lasting impact on their families, who continue to seek answers.

Outside the courtroom, relatives stated that the settlement does not mark the conclusion of their pursuit for truth. They voiced concerns about the withheld intelligence information that previously stopped the inquests. Patricia Kearney, one of Charles and Teresa Fox’s children, remarked on the likely permanent nature of this secrecy, stating, “There is a lot of information we will probably never get in our lifetime.” The families had also initiated legal action against the Ministry of Defence, although this claim has since been withdrawn. Their solicitor, Gavin Booth, emphasized that while the settlement is “a step forward,” there remains a call for the Secretary of State to either allow the inquests to proceed or to establish a public inquiry