MCKEVITT'S VOICE HEARD AS EVIDENCE
McKevitt's voice' heard as evidence
A VOICE on a secret tape recording played in court yesterday was that of jailed Real IRA boss Michael McKevitt, lawyers for Omagh bomb victims have claimed.
The High Court in Belfast was told that McKevitt's voice was recognised by David Rupert, the FBI agent who infiltrated the paramilitary group and helped send its leader to jail for 20 years.
On the tape a man known as Karl, but claimed to be McKevitt, was heard saying: "I'm a bit disappointed there was an absence of finance."
The tape was brought to court by a former Scotland Yard anti-terrorist officer John Pearce, who gave evidence on behalf of the Omagh victims in their multi-million pounds compensation claim.
McKevitt is one of five men being sued by relatives of some of those killed in the 1998 atrocity.
Mr Pearce said he was involved in the investigation which led to three Irishmen being jailed at Woolwich Crown Court for conspiring to cause explosions.
Lawyers for the Omagh relatives claimed that Karl/McKevitt was the master-mind behind the operation to acquire explosives and firearms for the jailed trio and that the tape firmly linked him to the RIRA.
Defence lawyer Michael O'Higgins, SC, asked ex-Supt Pearce: "Did you give any thought whatsoever to the rights Karl had?"
He replied: "My view was that the court might wish to listen to the tape."
Objecting to the admission of the tape as evidence, Mr O'Higgins said it was not the duty of police to gather information to assist citizens in civil disputes.
In other secret tape recordings made by MI5, alleged RIRA foot soldiers were heard talking to undercover agents as they tried to buy arms and explosives in Croatia.
The agents, using the names Mohammed and Samir, were told their contact's name was Charles but it was difficult for him to travel.
One of the agents asked why and was told: "For obvious reasons, a security problem. Charles must travel very carefully."
In another tape an agent is heard asking how he will recognise his contacts and was told: "We will be carrying a pink newspaper."
Asked about the colour of his hair the unidentified Irish voice replied: "It's going grey, getting old. My friend has got a moustache."
The agent then asked: "Are you carrying guns," and the voice replied "No."
"Because if you are the meeting is off," said the agent.
McKevitt (58), from Dundalk, denies responsibility for Omagh along with his co-defendants Liam Campbell, Seamus McKenna, Colm Murphy and Seamus Daly.
The trial judge is due to hear another batch of secret recordings when the hearing resumes today.
A VOICE on a secret tape recording played in court yesterday was that of jailed Real IRA boss Michael McKevitt, lawyers for Omagh bomb victims have claimed.
The High Court in Belfast was told that McKevitt's voice was recognised by David Rupert, the FBI agent who infiltrated the paramilitary group and helped send its leader to jail for 20 years.
On the tape a man known as Karl, but claimed to be McKevitt, was heard saying: "I'm a bit disappointed there was an absence of finance."
The tape was brought to court by a former Scotland Yard anti-terrorist officer John Pearce, who gave evidence on behalf of the Omagh victims in their multi-million pounds compensation claim.
McKevitt is one of five men being sued by relatives of some of those killed in the 1998 atrocity.
Mr Pearce said he was involved in the investigation which led to three Irishmen being jailed at Woolwich Crown Court for conspiring to cause explosions.
Lawyers for the Omagh relatives claimed that Karl/McKevitt was the master-mind behind the operation to acquire explosives and firearms for the jailed trio and that the tape firmly linked him to the RIRA.
Defence lawyer Michael O'Higgins, SC, asked ex-Supt Pearce: "Did you give any thought whatsoever to the rights Karl had?"
He replied: "My view was that the court might wish to listen to the tape."
Objecting to the admission of the tape as evidence, Mr O'Higgins said it was not the duty of police to gather information to assist citizens in civil disputes.
In other secret tape recordings made by MI5, alleged RIRA foot soldiers were heard talking to undercover agents as they tried to buy arms and explosives in Croatia.
The agents, using the names Mohammed and Samir, were told their contact's name was Charles but it was difficult for him to travel.
One of the agents asked why and was told: "For obvious reasons, a security problem. Charles must travel very carefully."
In another tape an agent is heard asking how he will recognise his contacts and was told: "We will be carrying a pink newspaper."
Asked about the colour of his hair the unidentified Irish voice replied: "It's going grey, getting old. My friend has got a moustache."
The agent then asked: "Are you carrying guns," and the voice replied "No."
"Because if you are the meeting is off," said the agent.
McKevitt (58), from Dundalk, denies responsibility for Omagh along with his co-defendants Liam Campbell, Seamus McKenna, Colm Murphy and Seamus Daly.
The trial judge is due to hear another batch of secret recordings when the hearing resumes today.
Further Information
Publisher: THE IRISH NEWS
Ref: IN/0979
Published Date: 31-Oct-08
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