The Police Service of Northern Ireland has issued an apology to the family of Fergal McCusker as part of a High Court settlement in Belfast. McCusker, aged 28, was shot dead in Maghera, County Londonderry, in January 1998 by members of the Loyalist Volunteer Force. His body was discovered behind a youth club.

Christina McCusker, the victim's mother, brought a legal action against the PSNI alleging negligence and misfeasance in public office related to the original Royal Ulster Constabulary investigation. The PSNI stated it does not accept liability but recognises that parts of the probe did not meet required standards. It noted these failings caused extra distress to the family on top of their grief.

The settlement includes undisclosed damages, which solicitor Padraig O Muirigh described as significant. He confirmed his client is content with the resolution. The family attended the High Court hearing before Mr Justice Rooney.

No individuals have been prosecuted or convicted for the murder despite arrests of suspects. An inquest into the death was stopped in 2024 due to security-related withholding of information.

Counsel Des Fahy KC read the PSNI's agreed statement in court. The force affirmed its intent to learn from the case to build public trust in the justice system. Mr Justice Rooney praised the settlement as a means for civil claims to provide closure.