Relatives of two teenagers believed to have been shot dead by a suspected loyalist agent has welcomed a court order holding him liable for unlawful killing.
The judgment has been issued in respect of mid Ulster loyalists Alan Oliver, Anthony McNeill and Thomas Harper.
Along with McNeill and Harper, Oliver has been linked to a gun attack on a mobile shop in the Drumbeg estate in Craigavon in 1991 which claimed the lives of Eileen Duffy (19), Katrina Rennie (16) and Brian Frizzell (29).
Harper was later convicted for his part in the triple murder and given a life sentence.
During police interrogation he identified Oliver as the killer and Anthony 'Tony' McNeill as also being involved.
The court order was issued after civil proceedings were launched by Pat Frizzell, a brother of Brian Frizzell.
In addition to the three named loyalists, he has launched action against the PSNI chief constable, Ministry of Defence and Secretary of State.
Judgement was issued after Oliver, McNeill and Harper made no appearance to defend the action.
Eileen Duffy's brother Brendan Duffy last night said his sister should have turned 50 next month.
He welcomed the court order.
"It's a step in the right direction and very emotional, but in a good way," he said.
"It's difficult to fight the state and now we have gone trough the courts.
"Everybody knows what went on here during the troubles.
"With the recent Ballymurphy case the momentum seems to be with the families again."
Fiona Rennie was aged just six when her sister Katrina was shot dead.
She said her 76-year-old mother Mary has also welcomed the development.
"She is glad we got that wee bit further, that they found them liable in the court and that's a good thing.
Although just a child when her sister was killed she has vivid memories of her.
"I remember Katrina, she was bubbly, was great and loved music and spent a lot of time with me....she was amazing" she said.
"She worked in the travel agents and wanted to travel the world."
Kevin Winters, of KRW Law, last night said: "We act for many other families similarly afflicted and they are also considering applications of a similar nature.
"This really establishes a precedent and the way is open for many other families to do likewise."
