ASSESS SPY'S SECURITY RISK, SAYS OMAGH JUDGE
Assess spy's security risk, says Omagh judge
A JUDGE has requested that the PSNI be asked for their advice on the security risk if the American spy David Rupert attends the civil action being brought by the Omagh bomb victims against those suspected of carrying out the atrocity.
Mr Justice Morgan made the suggestion in relation to an application to the court to allow the American trucking company boss to give evidence in the case from the US by video link.
Real IRA leader Michael McKevitt, is being sued for �14m along with four others suspected of carrying out the 1998 atrocity in which 29 people were killed. They are Liam Campbell, Seamus McKenna, Seamus Daly and Colm Murphy.
Mr Rupert was a major witness in a trial in Dublin last year which resulted in McKevitt, from Blackrock, Co Louth, being jailed for 20 years after being found guilty of running the Real IRA. The High Court had previously been told that Rupert is living in fear of his life in a secret place in the USA under the protection of the American authorities.
At yesterday's hearing McKevitt's lawyer, Frank O'Donoghue, QC, told the court that in Rupert's affidavit to the court there was no mention that he was in fear of his life.
Mr Justice Morgan asked if the PSNI had been consulted for their view on the extent of the security risk to Mr Rupert. Counsel for the Omagh claimants, Lord Brennan, said that no suggestion to do so had been made before.
He said Mr Rupert was under extreme pressure and it was felt that the risk to him must be enhanced after the trial in Dublin.
Mr Justice Morgan made an order for a hearing into whether the defendants could produce the transcripts from the trial in Dublin.
The case was adjourned for a date to be fixed.
A JUDGE has requested that the PSNI be asked for their advice on the security risk if the American spy David Rupert attends the civil action being brought by the Omagh bomb victims against those suspected of carrying out the atrocity.
Mr Justice Morgan made the suggestion in relation to an application to the court to allow the American trucking company boss to give evidence in the case from the US by video link.
Real IRA leader Michael McKevitt, is being sued for �14m along with four others suspected of carrying out the 1998 atrocity in which 29 people were killed. They are Liam Campbell, Seamus McKenna, Seamus Daly and Colm Murphy.
Mr Rupert was a major witness in a trial in Dublin last year which resulted in McKevitt, from Blackrock, Co Louth, being jailed for 20 years after being found guilty of running the Real IRA. The High Court had previously been told that Rupert is living in fear of his life in a secret place in the USA under the protection of the American authorities.
At yesterday's hearing McKevitt's lawyer, Frank O'Donoghue, QC, told the court that in Rupert's affidavit to the court there was no mention that he was in fear of his life.
Mr Justice Morgan asked if the PSNI had been consulted for their view on the extent of the security risk to Mr Rupert. Counsel for the Omagh claimants, Lord Brennan, said that no suggestion to do so had been made before.
He said Mr Rupert was under extreme pressure and it was felt that the risk to him must be enhanced after the trial in Dublin.
Mr Justice Morgan made an order for a hearing into whether the defendants could produce the transcripts from the trial in Dublin.
The case was adjourned for a date to be fixed.
Further Information
Publisher: BELFAST TELEGRAPH
Ref: BT/0946
Published Date: 30-Nov-04
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