Rosemary Campbell, widow of RUC Sergeant Joseph Campbell, died on Wednesday at age 91. Her negligence claim against the Chief Constable over her husband's murder continued in Belfast's High Court after her death. The family will pursue the case.

Sergeant Campbell was shot dead in February 1977 while closing the police station in Cushendall, County Antrim. He was a father of eight. A Police Ombudsman inquiry found senior RUC commanders had threat information but did not act.

Mrs Campbell filed proceedings last year. She claimed damages for assault and battery, negligence, breach of statutory duty, and misfeasance in public office. Karen Quinlivan KC, her barrister, told the court Mrs Campbell wanted resolution in her lifetime.

Counsel for the family stated they felt let down by the PSNI's handling of the litigation. Quinlivan noted the PSNI had sought a meeting for assurances but delays followed, including over financial reports. The PSNI offered mediation earlier but did not respond to a suggested mediator.

Counsel for the Chief Constable offered condolences and cited delays in a forensic accountancy report and records of criminal injury compensation paid after the murder. Mr Justice Rooney adjourned the case to Monday.

The judge directed lawyers for the Chief Constable to set a mediation date by next week. He required confirmation of a mediator and resolution of compensation payment issues. No further consultation meeting is needed.

Investigations indicated Sergeant Campbell may have been targeted for potential exposure of gun smuggling from Scotland to Red Bay near Cushendall. An RUC Special Branch officer faced murder charges in the early 1980s but was acquitted. No other prosecutions followed.

In 2014, former Police Ombudsman Dr Michael Maguire found evidence that RUC command knew of the threat. He stated the officer and his family were failed by senior force members.