Republican News · Thursday 20 June 2002

Former POW wins damages from NIO

In what was described as a precedent setting case, an Armagh ex-POW has won damages against the NIO for injuries received as a result of the treatment of prisoners following the discovery of a tunnel in Long Kesh in 1997. In the follow up operation, prisoners were forcibly strip-searched and a number of assaults were reported. The ex-prisoner, who wishes not to be named, was awarded a substantial figure. The NIO immediately set about clawing the compensation back and the ex-prisoner has sought legal advice.

The case opens the way for similar actions by ex-prisoners who were also subjected to similar treatment. Indeed, some cases are already in the pipeline. Despite the action of the NIO in reclaiming part of the compensation, the successful outcome to this case will have far reaching consequences.