Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Widow of GAA official shot dead by loyalists settles case against PSNI

The PSNI apologised for ‘inadequacies in the original investigation’ over the death of Sean Brown in 1997.

Rebecca Black
Thursday 12 May 2022 13:02 BST
An agreed statement was read out at Belfast High court over the death of Sean Brown (PA)
An agreed statement was read out at Belfast High court over the death of Sean Brown (PA) (PA Archive)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

The widow of a GAA official killed by loyalist paramilitaries has settled a case against the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI).

Sean Brown, 61, was abducted in Bellaghy, Co Londonderry, and shot dead 25 years ago.

He was taken by a Loyalist Volunteer Force (LVF) gang as he locked the gates at Bellaghy Wolfe Tones GA Club on May 1997.

No-one has been convicted of his murder.

A fresh inquest into his death is ongoing.

His widow, Bridie Brown, took a civil case against the PSNI chief constable for alleged misfeasance in public office and negligence.

On Thursday, the 25th anniversary of the killing, the High Court in Belfast heard the case has been resolved.

An agreed statement was read out in court.

The PSNI made an undisclosed settlement to Mrs Brown, and also issued an apology over inadequacies in the RUC’s original investigation.

In a statement issued following the case, Detective Chief Superintendent, Ian Saunders, said: “I can confirm that a civil action in the case relating to the death of Sean Brown has been settled and the Police Service of Northern Ireland accepts the comments as per the Terms of Settlement read out in court today.”

A service in Mr Brown’s memory is set to take place in Bellaghy later.

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in