The father of one of the fishermen killed in the Solway Harvester tragedy has welcomed moves to force the trawler’s owner to give evidence.

Eight years after the fishing vessel sank 11 miles off the Island, the inquest into the sinking has yet to conclude after owner, Richard Gidney, refused to attend on the grounds it may prejudice any civil action against him.

The Scottish High Court is now considering an application from the Manx authorities which would force Mr Gidney to give evidence.

After being acquitted of manslaughter charges in 2005, Mr Gidney said he was disappointed the defence case was never heard as it would have enabled him to present his case.

John Milligan, whose 26 year-old son Martin lost his life in the tragedy, says he should now take the chance: