The High Court has approved a €240,000 settlement in an action by the widow of a Defence Forces sergeant who was killed in a road accident in Athlone four years ago.
Sgt James Furey (42), a father of two, was returning home to Cork from Donegal on May 8th, 1998, having taken part in the Army Orienteering Championships.
His vehicle collided with a camper van driven by Mr Hans Otto Suckau on the main road between Roscommon and Athlone. Sgt Furey died from his injuries.
Ms Theresa Furey, of Ballincollig, Co Cork, took proceedings for damages against Mr Suckau, who denied the claims and pleaded contributory negligence by Sgt Furey.
In the High Court in July 2000, Mr Justice O Caoimh found that both the defendant and the deceased were negligent. He apportioned 80 per cent of the blame to Sgt Furey and 20 per cent to Mr Suckau. Ms Furey was given a decree for £49,400 damages.
That High Court decision was successfully appealed by Ms Furey to the Supreme Court, which ordered a retrial in the High Court.
When the case came before Mr Justice O'Higgins today, he was told the matter had been settled and that the defendant consented to judgment in the sum of €240,000.