OMAGH CASE EVIDENCE TO BE CHALLENGED
Omagh case evidence to be challenged
By Linda McKee
EVIDENCE used to charge a south Armagh man over the Omagh bombing is to come under the spotlight, a court was told today.
A preliminary investigation of the case against electrician Sean Hoey (35) has been scheduled for June 20 at Belfast Magistrates Court.
The defence for Hoey, from Molly Road, Jonesborough, insists that no new evidence has been provided to incriminate him and claims delays in bringing the case to court amount to an abuse of process.
The strength of the prosecution's case will come under review at the preliminary investigation as forensic witnesses are cross-examined.
This morning Hoey appeared at Belfast Magistrates' Court by video link from Maghaberry prison.
He was remanded in continuing custody last week after being charged with 61 new offences in connection with the Omagh bomb. Twenty-nine people were killed and hundreds injured in the real IRA atrocity in Omagh in 1998.
Hoey was already in custody facing a string of other charges including 23 explosive offences, membership of the real IRA and plotting to murder members of the security forces.
Today defence solicitor Peter Corrigan said that he had come to an agreement with prosecutors that evidence be recorded using audio methods, which would save time.
Hoey has been remanded in custody to appear back at Laganside Court by video link on June 17.
By Linda McKee
EVIDENCE used to charge a south Armagh man over the Omagh bombing is to come under the spotlight, a court was told today.
A preliminary investigation of the case against electrician Sean Hoey (35) has been scheduled for June 20 at Belfast Magistrates Court.
The defence for Hoey, from Molly Road, Jonesborough, insists that no new evidence has been provided to incriminate him and claims delays in bringing the case to court amount to an abuse of process.
The strength of the prosecution's case will come under review at the preliminary investigation as forensic witnesses are cross-examined.
This morning Hoey appeared at Belfast Magistrates' Court by video link from Maghaberry prison.
He was remanded in continuing custody last week after being charged with 61 new offences in connection with the Omagh bomb. Twenty-nine people were killed and hundreds injured in the real IRA atrocity in Omagh in 1998.
Hoey was already in custody facing a string of other charges including 23 explosive offences, membership of the real IRA and plotting to murder members of the security forces.
Today defence solicitor Peter Corrigan said that he had come to an agreement with prosecutors that evidence be recorded using audio methods, which would save time.
Hoey has been remanded in custody to appear back at Laganside Court by video link on June 17.
Further Information
Publisher: BELFAST TELEGRAPH
Ref: BT/0965
Published Date: 31-May-05
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