The number of RUC officers claiming compensation for trauma has risen to over 3,000. The officers, some no longer serving, are seeking damages from the RUC Chief Constable and the Northern Ireland Police Authority for personal injury caused by the failure to diagnose or treat post-traumatic stress disorder
A dozen firms of solicitors are involved in the action which will be heard in the High Court, in Belfast. Mr Justice Coghlin has directed that the hearing has to proceed as a group action and it is expected it will be about two years before it comes to trial.
A solicitor, Ms Dorcas Crawford, who is handling most of the cases, wrote to all the firm's claimants yesterday on the progress of the case. "Significant progress has been made in regard to the complex legal issues and also with the psychiatrists we have engaged to examine the claimants and give expert evidence on their behalf," she said.
The case is proceeding in the name of Mr Wayne Charles McClurg, a former detective constable, and the names of the 3,000-plus claimants will be added to the writ.