BT/0939

Court told superspy will 'expose' Real IRA

SUPERSPY David Rupert will reveal a "devastating expose" of the Real IRA when he gives evidence in the Omagh bomb victims' civil claim against those suspected of carrying out the atrocity, the High Court in Belfast heard today.
But the court has still to rule on whether the American trucking company boss turned double agent will be allowed to give his evidence by video link.
He is living in fear of his life in a secret place in the USA under the protection of the authorities, Lord Brennan, QC, told the court.
The bomb victims' claim for £14m damages has been set to start on January 17 next year but lawyers for Michael McKevitt, Liam Campbell and Seamus McKenna said they were not in a position to continue until legal aid was granted.
Mr Justice Higgins said he would review the case again on June 25 when the legal aid situation should be clearer and the application for Mr Rupert's evidence via video link could also be dealt with.