MAN FACES MURDER CHARGES ON OMAGH
Man faces murder charges on Omagh
By Jonathan McCambridge
CRIME CORRESPONDENT
A SOUTH Armagh man is to be charged with murdering 29 people in the Omagh bomb atrocity, it was confirmed in court today.
Sean Gerard Hoey (35), an unemployed electrician from Molly Road, Jonesborough, appeared at Belfast High Court via videolink during a bail application over 20 explosives charges.
The application was adjourned when it was revealed that papers are set to be filed against Hoey in relation to the Omagh bomb.
It emerged in court that police will present new forensic evidence against Hoey as part of the murder charges.
Defence barrister Martin O'Rourke said: "There have been extensive media reports that my client is to be charged over 29 murders in relation to the Omagh bombing. He has not yet been charged with these offences.
"However, I have been told by the Crown that they intend to serve preliminary inquiry papers by the 19th of this month and to hold a preliminary inquiry before a magistrate on the 26th.
"It has also been ascertained that the papers will contain new forensic evidence."
Prosecuting barrister Gordon Kerr QC said: "I can confirm that police have received directions from the DPP in relation to murder charges over those killed in the Omagh bomb which will be considered by a magistrate at a preliminary inquiry."
Hoey's application for bail was adjourned until after the new charges are brought against him.
The bombing in 1998 killed 29 people and unborn twins - the worst single terrorist atrocity during the Northern Ireland Troubles.
Hoey is currently denying 20 charges which relate to possessing explosives and conspiracy to cause explosions between 1997 and 1998.
He faces a charge of Real IRA membership as well as charges over bombings at Forkhill and Crossmaglen, Lisburn, Armagh City, Belleek, Newry, Blackwater and Belfast.
He also already faces a charge related to the Omagh bombing. That charge connecting him to the atrocity alleged that between March 12, 1997, and August 16, 1998, Hoey had possession of explosives, mainly a timer power unit, with intent to endanger life.
The device was described at a previous court hearing as a timer power unit, a Mark 19 model.
By Jonathan McCambridge
CRIME CORRESPONDENT
A SOUTH Armagh man is to be charged with murdering 29 people in the Omagh bomb atrocity, it was confirmed in court today.
Sean Gerard Hoey (35), an unemployed electrician from Molly Road, Jonesborough, appeared at Belfast High Court via videolink during a bail application over 20 explosives charges.
The application was adjourned when it was revealed that papers are set to be filed against Hoey in relation to the Omagh bomb.
It emerged in court that police will present new forensic evidence against Hoey as part of the murder charges.
Defence barrister Martin O'Rourke said: "There have been extensive media reports that my client is to be charged over 29 murders in relation to the Omagh bombing. He has not yet been charged with these offences.
"However, I have been told by the Crown that they intend to serve preliminary inquiry papers by the 19th of this month and to hold a preliminary inquiry before a magistrate on the 26th.
"It has also been ascertained that the papers will contain new forensic evidence."
Prosecuting barrister Gordon Kerr QC said: "I can confirm that police have received directions from the DPP in relation to murder charges over those killed in the Omagh bomb which will be considered by a magistrate at a preliminary inquiry."
Hoey's application for bail was adjourned until after the new charges are brought against him.
The bombing in 1998 killed 29 people and unborn twins - the worst single terrorist atrocity during the Northern Ireland Troubles.
Hoey is currently denying 20 charges which relate to possessing explosives and conspiracy to cause explosions between 1997 and 1998.
He faces a charge of Real IRA membership as well as charges over bombings at Forkhill and Crossmaglen, Lisburn, Armagh City, Belleek, Newry, Blackwater and Belfast.
He also already faces a charge related to the Omagh bombing. That charge connecting him to the atrocity alleged that between March 12, 1997, and August 16, 1998, Hoey had possession of explosives, mainly a timer power unit, with intent to endanger life.
The device was described at a previous court hearing as a timer power unit, a Mark 19 model.
Further Information
Publisher: BELFAST TELEGRAPH
Ref: BT/0962
Published Date: 10-May-05
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