John Pat Cunningham: Family receive damages over his killing

Mr Cunningham’s nephew, Charlie Agnew, insisted the outcome reached in the civil action represented a complete vindication.

“Dennis Hutchings had all the headlines, but the real victim in this was pushed aside,” Agnew said.

“John Pat was wrongly accused of all sorts of stuff, but today I can stand here on the steps of the court and say he was totally innocent.”

Agnew stressed his uncle had a “pathological” fear of those wearing uniforms and was only trying to get home when the shots were fired.

“All the people who said things about him in the past need to take a look at themselves.” he added.

Winters described the settlement as an important step for the Cunningham family.

“While no sum of money can ever remedy the loss they have suffered, they have been vindicated by the conclusion of these proceedings,” the solicitor said.

“It provides a measure of recognition and accountability which they have long sought. JP Cunningham has been completely exonerated.”