A civil case linked to the murder of three County Armagh brothers has been postponed after the PSNI police and British Ministry of Defence (MoD) once again failed to provide key documents to the court.

John Martin and Brian Reavey, both in their early 20s, were shot dead at their home in Whitecross, south Armagh on January 4, 1976. A third brother, 17-year-old Anthony, died several weeks later from his injuries.

The three brothers were killed by the notorious Glenanne Gang, a loyalist death squad which included members of the Crown police, British Army and paramilitary UVF. It is thought to be responsible for around 120 murders.

A civil case linked to the murders was due to begin on December 1. However both the PSNI and MoD have failed to hand over sensitive material despite the looming trial date.

The December trial was originally set in June, but several disclosure deadlines have been missed since then.

Eugene Reavey, who has recently written a book about the murders of his brothers, said he has spent 50 years “fighting for the truth about what happened to my brothers”.

“For decades, I have been in courtrooms, seeking justice.

“Ten times this year alone, I attended hearings where I was assured this December trial date would not be moved.

“Now, ten days out, I’m told the PSNI and MoD are not ready.

“It feels like the air was pulled out of my chest.”

The latest delay came after PSNI boss Jon Boutcher (pictured, right) hypocritically attended Mr Reavey’ book launch in Belfast.

Mr Reavey remains critical of the PSNI and other British state agencies.

“This is not a scheduling or resource issue, the defendants have had ample time to prepare for this hearing and consistently ignored court orders,” he said.

Mr Reavey said he does not have “another 50 years” to get to the truth.

“All I am asking for is honesty, accountability and an end to the state’s refusal to face its own past.

“My family has waited too long. I have never lay down and I will not let this be swept aside yet again.”

Diarmuid Brecknell of Phoenix Law said: “It is now simply unacceptable that we have defendants that do not comply with their obligations to the court.

“Both the PSNI and MoD really need to properly deal with these cases.

“The current process is not working. Mr Reavey deserves justice.”

REMEMBRANCE

In the New Year, the murders are to be commemorated near the 50th anniversary of the attack, with a special remembrance event to take place on January 9 at Silverbridge Gaelic club.

The 2022 short film Reavey Brothers, which is based on the killings, will be shown at the event and director John Reavey, a nephew of the Reavey brothers, will be in attendance for questions after the screening.

The cast of the short film includes Derry Girls star Dylan Llewellyn, who will be among those attending the event. Earnings from the event will go towards the development of a feature-length version of Reavey Brothers which John Reavey hopes will seek further investment for next year.

The event will close with a live music and Irish dance performance from former Lord of the Dance star Aine Malone.

John said it will be a “privilege to honour those lost in a remarkable local venue like Silverbridge“.

“I was never fortunate enough to meet my uncles; so moments like these are where I feel closest to them,” he said.

“The response to the short film was beyond what I could have expected, but I’m looking forward to honouring the 50 years that the family has been fighting for justice.

“It’s nights like these where I admire all the families in the area who continue to fight for peace. I really hope this night can be memorable not only for the Reavey Family but to all those impacted by the Troubles.”

See www.reaveybrothersfilm.com for details.