OMAGH GARDAI WILL NOT TESTIFY
Omagh gardai will not testify
By Michael McHugh PA
GARDAI who investigated the 1998 Real IRA bombing in Omagh will not testify in a civil action by relatives of those who died.
Senior Garda officers have been advised the evidence could jeopardise the criminal investigation into the attack on the Co Tyrone market town in which 29 people, including a woman pregnant with twins, died and over 200 were injured.
Legal action by those who have suffered as a result of the bombing is being taken against five individuals they have linked to the atrocity who have not been officially charged with murder.
Campaigner Victor Barker, whose 12-year-old son James died, said he was disappointed.
"There are so many setbacks in this case, it is setback upon setback," he said.
"While I am pretty concerned that any civil case might prejudice the criminal case, we are through 10 years and we have not had a criminal case."
The action was due to begin in April but is on hold awaiting a decision on Sean Hoey, an electrician from south Armagh, who stood trial for the attack last year.
Those being sued by relatives include Real IRA founder Michael McKevitt, Colm Murphy, Seamus McKenna and Liam Campbell, all from Co Louth and Seamus Daly from Cullaville in Co Monaghan.
By Michael McHugh PA
GARDAI who investigated the 1998 Real IRA bombing in Omagh will not testify in a civil action by relatives of those who died.
Senior Garda officers have been advised the evidence could jeopardise the criminal investigation into the attack on the Co Tyrone market town in which 29 people, including a woman pregnant with twins, died and over 200 were injured.
Legal action by those who have suffered as a result of the bombing is being taken against five individuals they have linked to the atrocity who have not been officially charged with murder.
Campaigner Victor Barker, whose 12-year-old son James died, said he was disappointed.
"There are so many setbacks in this case, it is setback upon setback," he said.
"While I am pretty concerned that any civil case might prejudice the criminal case, we are through 10 years and we have not had a criminal case."
The action was due to begin in April but is on hold awaiting a decision on Sean Hoey, an electrician from south Armagh, who stood trial for the attack last year.
Those being sued by relatives include Real IRA founder Michael McKevitt, Colm Murphy, Seamus McKenna and Liam Campbell, all from Co Louth and Seamus Daly from Cullaville in Co Monaghan.
Further Information
Publisher: THE IRISH NEWS
Ref: IN/0850
Published Date: 30-Jul-07
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