Brother of murdered journalist Martin O’Hagan says hunt for killers continues

By Cate McCurry, PA

A brother of murdered journalist Martin O’Hagan has welcomed the recent arrest of a man charged with a fraud-related offence, but said the hunt for his killers still continues.

Mr O’Hagan, 51, was shot dead by loyalist paramilitaries as he walked home from a night out with his wife in Lurgan, Co Armagh, in September 2001.

No one has ever been successfully prosecuted for his murder.

A 42-year-old man was arrested in England last week and has been charged with fraud by false representation.

In 2015, the O’Hagan family announced a reward of £50,000 for anyone who could supply information that might lead to a murder prosecution.

In a statement, the family commended the current PSNI investigation team for their hard work.

Martin’s brother, Fintan O’Hagan, said in a statement released through the family solicitors: “We are very pleased to see this man charged but we want to stress this latest prosecution has nothing to do with the murder of our brother.

“Whilst this might change at some stage in the future, at this stage this fraud charge is an entirely separate case. In the meantime the hunt for Martin’s killers still continues.”

Solicitor Kevin Winters, of KRW Law, said: “There are wider issues around this latest development not the least of which is the impact it’s had on the release date for the PONI (Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland) report into previous police investigative failings.

“The O’Hagan family are confident that long-awaited report will support their renewed call for an inquiry into Martin’s murder.

“Equally, they believe the wider circumstances underpinning the PSNI announcement will also reinforce that call.”

The PSNI said the man arrested had been charged with fraud by false representation and is due to appear before Craigavon Magistrates’ Court on Friday May 2nd.

Mr O’Hagan was working for the Sunday World when he was killed.