Judicial Review decision will not be appealed - Ford

3.27.00pm GMT Wed 30th Jun 2010

Justice Minister David Ford

Justice Minister David Ford has confirmed that he will not be appealing the decision of a Judicial Review taken by Debbie Morrison.

Debbie Morrison's partner, Constable Kevin Gorman, died in a road traffic accident in November 2008. As they were not married, Debbie Morrison was not entitled to a Death-In-Service Award. The judge ruled that Debbie Morrison should be entitled to a survivor's award and that current rules were incompatible with her human rights.

David Ford said, "I welcome this judgement and I have given my approval for the PSNI to make the appropriate payment to Debbie Morrison as soon as possible.

"I do not believe it is right in these circumstances to draw a distinction between the rights of a married partner and an unmarried partner. The judge has recognised that Debbie Morrison has not been treated in accordance with her rights."

Mr Ford continued, "I can also confirm that recognition of unmarried partners will also be included in the new Injury Benefit regulations which are currently being developed."