A smoker's widow lost an action in the High Court in Belfast yesterday claiming compensation against two cigarette companies.
Mrs Mary Shiels, of Greeves Park, Strabane, Co Tyrone, claimed her husband died as a result of having smoked up to 60 cigarettes a day. Mr Brian Shiels, who was a plasterer, died in 1992 at the age of 46.
His widow claimed the cigarettes he smoked were manufactured by Gallaher Ltd, Ballymena, Co Antrim, and P.J. Carroll and Co Dundalk, Co Louth. She sued both companies.
They denied liability and the claim was dismissed at a preliminary stage yesterday by Mr Justice Girvan, sitting in chambers.
Judgment was entered for the defendants and they were also awarded their costs. Mrs Shiels was on legal aid and the government agency will pay the bill.