Family welcome British regret over 1988 killing

The family of Co Tyrone man who was killed by a British soldier 21 years ago has welcomed an expression of "deep regret" from the British government.

The family of Co Tyrone man who was killed by a British soldier 21 years ago has welcomed an expression of "deep regret" from the British government.

Aidan McAnespie was shot in the back by the soldier as he returned from playing a GAA game in the border village of Aughnacloy in 1988.

The British Army's official explanation was that the soldier's hand slipped on his rifle and Mr McAnespie was killed by a ricocheting bullet.

However, a police inquiry last year found that this was the least likely explanation of events.

Speaking after meeting the McAnespie family today, Northern Secretary Shaun Woodward said it was a matter of deep regret that Aidan had been killed.

The McAnespies said they had had the opportunity of explaining the British Army harassment Aidan had suffered and the devastation caused by his death.

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