The wife and children of Co Donegal publican Frank Shortt have reached a settlement for compensation with the State over his wrongful jailing.
Sally Shortt and her five children will receive what is believed to be a substantial six-figure sum.
The State apologises to Frank Shortt
Last year the High Court awarded some €1.93 million in damages and legal costs - estimated at hundreds of thousands of euro - to Mr Shortt.
Today, the State and Garda Commissioner acknowledged before the High Court today that the wrong done to Mr Shortt has had "serious consequences" for his wife and five children, causing each of them "considerable suffering and distress".
A statement was read to the High Court today by Mr Michael Cush SC, for the State defendants, as part of the settlement.
It stated that Mr Shortt was wrongfully convicted on February 28th, 1995, of drug offences and sentenced to three years' imprisonment on March 1st, 1995. On July 31st 2002, the statement noted, the Court of Criminal Appeal certified a miscarriage of justice in Mr Shortt's case.
"On behalf of the State, I wish to acknowledge that the wrong done to Mr Frank Shortt has had serious consequences for his family and has caused each member of his family considerable suffering and distress," Mr Cush read.
"The State does not accept it can have any legal liability for such consequences but, in the unique circumstances which have arisen, is happy to reach an accommodation with the plaintiffs on an ex-gratia basis."
The proceedings were brought by Mrs Shortt, of Clar, Redcastle, Co Donegal, and her children Aariah (24), Jalisco (34), Kristian (25), Natasha (33) and Zabrina (28).
The action had been fully contested by the State and was expected to last several days. However, after it was called this morning, there were talks between the sides, ultimately leading to the announcement of the settlement at 2.15pm.
Mr Justice Quirke noted the settlement and made orders striking out the actions. The State is also to pay the Shortt family's legal costs.