He is suing the police and Ministry of Defence (MoD) in a claim for misfeasance in public office
A man suing over alleged security force collusion with a notorious loyalist paramilitary unit who murdered his three brothers is to have his case dealt with next month, a High Court judge pledged today.
Mr Justice Rooney vowed that Eugene Reavey’s civil trial over killings carried out by the Glenanne Gang 50 years ago will not be delayed by police resourcing issues.
He told senior counsel for the PSNI: “I’m not letting you off the hook… the case is going on and that’s just it.”
The UVF unit at the centre of the action is believed to have been responsible for up to 120 deaths in a sustained killing spree during the mid 1970s.
Based at a farm in Glenanne, Armagh, the gang allegedly contained members of the Royal Ulster Constabulary and the Ulster Defence Regiment.
Mr Reavey’s brothers, John Martin, Brian and Anthony, were shot dead by masked intruders at the family’s home in Whitecross in January 1976.
He is suing the police and Ministry of Defence (MoD) in a claim for misfeasance in public office.
The case is part of a wider group of litigation brought by relatives of victims and those wounded in the series of Troubles-era murders and attempted murders.
Up to 10 folders of non-sensitive material have been disclosed to Mr Reavey’s legal team in advance of the trial, where liability is disputed.
But at a review hearing today issues were raised about the PSNI’s ability to provide sensitive documents for the action on time.
Citing work required in multiple other legacy cases, Mark Robinson KC told the court: “My client is seeking to progress all of these matters forward, but constrained by the lack of resources.”
It was stressed, however, that Mr Reavey has spent decades waiting for justice.
His barrister, Desmond Fahy KC, said: “He is not getting any younger, none of those associated with this case are getting any younger.”
Backing those submissions, confirmed the trial will go ahead in December.
“(The family) have waited long enough,” Mr Justice Rooney added.
Outside court Mr Reavey’s solicitor, Gavin Booth of Phoenix Law, insisted there should be no further delays.
“Eugene and his family have waited 50 years for those that perpetrated these acts to put their hands up and admit their responsibility. They can’t wait any longer,” he said.
“The facts of the case are well known, and those who were responsible are well known.
“The PSNI and MoD should apply common sense and give the family the justice they deserve.”
