Coalisland manslaughter: Victim’s family forgive cousin

The family of Declan Quinn say they forgive his cousin who was convicted of his manslaughter in court on Friday.
By The Newsroom
Published 29th Mar 2014, 12:00 BST
Fr Joseph Quinn, right, brother of Declan, and Veronica, left, mother of Declan, outside Laganside Court in Belfast.Fr Joseph Quinn, right, brother of Declan, and Veronica, left, mother of Declan, outside Laganside Court in Belfast.
Fr Joseph Quinn, right, brother of Declan, and Veronica, left, mother of Declan, outside Laganside Court in Belfast.

Anthony Joseph Quinn from Coalisland who mowed down and killed his cousin following a disagreement over a garden shed in 2011, will spend 18 months in prison followed by 18 months on supervised licence upon his release from custody.

As he was being led from the dock Quinn turned to face members of Declan’s family sitting in the public gallery. He gestured with three fingers, winked and smiled at them.

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Despite this, the victim’s family have stood by their statement of forgiveness.

“We hope and pray that the nightmare will end today with the decision of the Judge and the end of this long drawn out case,” said Father Joseph Quinn who administered the last rites to his brother.

“We as a family wish to move on with our lives and while as a family we have suffered the pain of great grief at the tragic loss of Declan, we have forgiven Tony Quinn for the terrible loss and pain that he has inflicted on us.

“We accept the apology and outpouring of remorse Tony Quinn has made through his barrister about the killing of Declan,” the priest added.

It also emerged that Declan’s organs were donated, helping children suffering from blindness and cancer.

Related topics:Coalisland