MICHAEL MCKEVITT
MICHAEL MCKEVITT
THE 54-year-old from Blackrock, Co Louth is currently serving a 24-year sentence. He was jailed in August 2003 by the Special Criminal Court in Dublin for directing terrorism, becoming the first person in the history of the state to be convicted of that offence, which was created in response to the Omagh bomb.
Mr Justice Morgan said: "The third named defendant held a significant leadership role in the Real IRA as a result of his defection from the Provisional IRA.
"The evidence demonstrates that he had a particular responsibility in relation to procurement and in those circumstances I consider that the availability of the materials to prepare the bomb could only have occurred with his support and approval."
The judge also said a decision to reduce bomb warning times had been instigated and approved by McKevitt.
"He foresaw the likely consequence of personal injury particularly having regard to the nature of the time allowed for clearance. In any event I consider that by virtue of this leadership role he is liable as aiding, counselling and directing the commission of the tort. I consider that the failure of the third named defendant to give evidence in answer to this case against him is inexplicable and makes this case against him overwhelming."
THE 54-year-old from Blackrock, Co Louth is currently serving a 24-year sentence. He was jailed in August 2003 by the Special Criminal Court in Dublin for directing terrorism, becoming the first person in the history of the state to be convicted of that offence, which was created in response to the Omagh bomb.
Mr Justice Morgan said: "The third named defendant held a significant leadership role in the Real IRA as a result of his defection from the Provisional IRA.
"The evidence demonstrates that he had a particular responsibility in relation to procurement and in those circumstances I consider that the availability of the materials to prepare the bomb could only have occurred with his support and approval."
The judge also said a decision to reduce bomb warning times had been instigated and approved by McKevitt.
"He foresaw the likely consequence of personal injury particularly having regard to the nature of the time allowed for clearance. In any event I consider that by virtue of this leadership role he is liable as aiding, counselling and directing the commission of the tort. I consider that the failure of the third named defendant to give evidence in answer to this case against him is inexplicable and makes this case against him overwhelming."
Further Information
Publisher: BELFAST TELEGRAPH
Ref: BT/1149
Published Date: 09-Jun-09
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