A MAN who challenged a decision of the Criminal Injuries Tribunal to award him £100,000 is to proceed with a claim for more money "following a favourable High Court" ruling yesterday.
Mr Eamonn Gavin, who said in evidence that his life has been shattered since attempting to prevent the theft of his car 12 years ago, claimed that a £100,000 award made to him should be increased. He maintains that he should receive more than £500,000.
The award was made by the Criminal Injuries Tribunal over two years ago. Mr Gavin claimed that the sum was too small and that he was entitled to the reasons for the tribunal's decision. His appeal was heard by the High Court last week.
Yesterday Miss Justice Carroll said that she had found in favour of Mr Gavin and would give her judgment and reasons next Friday.
After the judge's brief announcement Mr Gavin said that he looked forward to hearing the judgment on Friday. "My family is clawing its way to justice", he added. "I have no doubt I will get full justice."
He said he had professionally audited figures showing that he should receive £547,000 in compensation. He would now pursue a claim for that sum.
Mr Gavin was carried on the bonnet of his car while it was being stolen from outside his home in 1984.
The State claimed that the tribunal was not obliged to give reasons for its decision and that its decision was not unreasonable, unfair or biased.