The family of the murdered publican, Mr Tom Nevin, will return to the courts within weeks to pursue their civil action for damages against his widow and killer, Catherine Nevin.
Mr Nevin's seven siblings want the High Court to prevent Catherine Nevin from administering her deceased husband's estate, valued at up to £1 million. They will also sue her for punitive damages as a result of his wrongful death, according to a source close to the family.
Nevin (49) was convicted last April of the murder of her 54-year-old husband four years ago and soliciting three men to murder him. He was shot dead as he was counting the St Patrick's weekend takings at the pub they co-owned, Jack White's Inn, at Ballinapark, near Brittas Bay, Co Wicklow.
A murder conviction carries with it a mandatory life sentence, and Nevin has already begun serving her term in Mountjoy Prison in Dublin. She will return to the Central Criminal Court on June 7th for sentencing on the three soliciting charges.
The family will return to the High Court within four to six weeks after that to reactivate their civil action, which was deferred pending the outcome of the criminal case
They will seek an order barring Nevin from inheriting her husband's estate, which included several properties in Dublin, two life insurance policies worth more than £250,000, and his half of the proceeds from the sale of Jack White's Inn, two years ago, for about £600,000. The proceeds from the sale had been frozen.
The family will also seek a court order to allow them to administer their late brother's estate. These applications are likely to be dealt with by the High Court next month.
The family's claim for punitive damages for the mental distress caused by their brother's murder is expected to proceed within a year. If granted, such damages could reach five figures.