The widow and young son of a man shot dead by soldiers in a controversial incident in south Armagh were awarded compensation yesterday. The amount to be paid to Ms Margaret Caraher (28) and her nine-year-old son, from Kiltybane Road, Cullyhanna, Co Armagh, was not disclosed when the case was settled in the High Court in Belfast.
Ms Caraher's husband, Mr Fergal Caraher, was aged 20 when he was killed after Royal Marine Commandos opened fire on a car at Cullyhanna in December 1990. Two marines were later charged with his murder and acquitted. Mr Caraher's brother, Mr Miceal Caraher, was driving the car and was shot in the chest. However, his case did not proceed after his lawyer asked Mr Justice Kerr to enter judgement for the defendants.
Mr Miceal Caraher was brought to court from prison as he is in custody awaiting trial on charges arising out of his arrest in April 1997, when a "sniper's supergun" was uncovered in a raid in Crossmaglen.