Dead man's family seeks compensation

Writs claiming compensation have been issued by the family of a young south Armagh barman against three men they blame for causing…

Writs claiming compensation have been issued by the family of a young south Armagh barman against three men they blame for causing his death.

The case is expected to be heard in the High Court in Belfast next year.

On January 2nd last year, the partially naked body of Paul McGleenan (19), was found lying below a disused railway bridge near Keady town centre.

Police charged three local men, Mr Mathew Gerard Rice (39), of Granemore Road, Mr Francis Charles Houlihan (25), of High Street, and Mr John Gerard Lappin (25), of Rock Road, with his murder. This was later reduced to manslaughter.

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Then, at Armagh Crown Court in April, the trio pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of fighting and making an affray. They were ordered to undertake a total of 450 hours' community service.

The victim's parents, Francis and Pauline, of Crossmore Green, were so angry at the court's decision to reduce the charge that they boycotted the sentencing hearing.

A public protest rally was held near the spot where Paul's body had been found, and several thousand people signed a petition criticising the action of the Director of Public Prosecutions.