'Deep Regret' Over NI Checkpoint Death

The British government has expressed its "deep regret" at the death of Aiden McAnespie, who was shot at an army checkpoint in Co Tyrone, 21 years ago.

Mr McAnespie, 24, was shot by a soldier as he walked through a border checkpoint at Aughnacloy in February 1998.

Northern Ireland Secretary of State Shaun Woodward (pictured here) acknowledged the "pain and suffering" of Mr McAnespie's family.

He said: "It is a matter of deep regret that Aidan was killed by a bullet fired by a soldier which ricocheted from the road."

The soldier who fired the fatal shots claimed his hands were wet, causing him to accidentally fire the machine-gun when he was moving it inside a sanger.

However, the PSNI Historical Enquiries Team (HET) report on the shooting found that the version of events offered by the army was the "least likely" explanation of what happened.

Members of Mr McAnespie's family met the Secretary of State recently to discuss the HET report. The family were accompanied by Sinn Féin MP Michelle Gildernew, Fianna Fail Senator Mary White and Paul O'Connor of the Pat Finucane Centre.

Mr McAnespie's niece, Una McCabe, said: "Given the findings of the HET report we find it highly significant and positive that the Minister of Defence has co-signed this public statement along with the Northern Ireland Secretary.

"The HET report, in our view, represents the closest that we as a family have got to the truth of what occurred that day

"The meeting with Shaun Woodward is the acknowledgement at official level that was missing."

Ms McCabe said for years the family have "fought for truth and acknowledgment".

She thanked everyone who had supported them over the years.

Mr Woodward said it was not for the government to accept or comment on the specific HET findings.

"However, in overall terms the government endorses its work and has confidence in the HET's professionalism and thoroughness."

He said: "Since part of the objectives of the HET is to bring solace and comfort to families and loved ones, we hope this will be the case for Aidan's family."

(GK/BMcc)