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09.10.12

A woman who sued four men responsible for the murder of her husband has won a landmark legal victory.

 

Margaret Madden, who owns a Bed and Breakfast in County Sligo, and her family have been awarded nearly €750,000.

 

Thirteen years after her husband was murdered Margaret Madden says she's relieved her long legal battle is finally over.

 

Her daughter Claire joined her in court today to hear a judge order the men responsible to pay damages for the senseless and brutal killing of Terence Madden.

 

 

Margaret suffered a heart attack after finding her husband Terence lying in a pool blood outside their home in Co Sligo in January 1999.

 

He had been shot in both legs at close range and bled to death.

 

Margaret Madden sued the three men who were convicted of his murder in the Special Criminal Court and the estate of a fourth man who has died since he was convicted of possession of a sawn off shotgun.

 

The court heard it was a contract shooting ordered by former member of the Defence Forces, Michael Doohan, who had a grudge with the Maddens over running a Bed and Breakfast business near his mother's B&B.

 

Today Maraget Madden was awarded €722,000 for the loss of her husband, nervous shock and her distress as she suffered flashbacks, post traumatic stress and has trouble sleeping since her husbands murder.

 

Almost €40,000 euro was awarded to Terence Madden's three children and his siblings.