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Nearly 43 years after the deaths of two IRA members shot by British soldiers, the families involved have reached settlements in their legal claims, as disclosed in the High Court. Brian Campbell, aged 19, and Colm McGirr, aged 23, lost their lives during an SAS operation near an arms cache close to Coalisland, County Tyrone, in December 1983. The incidents sparked lawsuits against the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), with the families alleging a shoot-to-kill policy and criticizing the thoroughness of the investigations.
The court was informed on Friday that these claims had been resolved through confidential agreements. The families intend to donate to charity following the settlements. According to legal representatives, Campbell and McGirr were at the weapons storage site in Cloghog Road along with an unidentified third person when British troops, who had been surveilling the location over several days, opened fire. During an inquest, one soldier stated that the two men had reportedly taken guns and were pointing them at the military personnel. Investigations found that up to 79 bullet cartridges at the scene matched the soldiers’ weapons.
Earlier inquiries into the deaths had little conclusive outcomes. A 1985 inquest failed to shed significant light on the circumstances of the shootings. However, a 2013 Historical Enquiries Team (HET) investigation produced an expert report showing that McGirr’s body position was consistent with him being shot while kneeling. Additional findings noted no bullets had struck Campbell from the front. These results provided the impetus for the families to launch legal proceedings against the MoD and PSNI in 2016. Des Fahy KC, the families’ barrister, confirmed the settlements at court, with Justice Rooney acknowledging the resolution of the long-standing actions.
Family members expressed their feelings about the lengthy ordeal. Brian McGirr, Colm’s brother, remarked, “We’re very glad that we have carried on the campaign for them,” referring to their 43-year quest for justice. Michael Campbell, brother of Brian, emphasized the role of forensic evidence, saying it “proved without doubt how Brian and Colm died,” adding that the memories remain vivid: “That particular day is like yesterday.” Outside the courthouse, solicitor Pádraig Ó Muirigh noted that the settlements came after extensive negotiations. He pointed out the families’ steadfastness in exposing the circumstances surrounding the deaths and their longstanding claims of a shoot-to-kill policy driving the military operation, questioning why the men were never arrested at the scene. Referencing the HET report, Ó Muirigh stated, “A pathologist found the two men were shot from behind, in particular Colm McGirr was shot whilst kneeling and Brian Campbell was potentially shot as he lay on the ground,” highlighting the significance of these findings in prompting the legal action
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