OMAGH CASE PLEA ON VIDEO EVIDENCE
Omagh case plea on video evidence
By ALAN ERWIN
THE FBI spy testifying in a �10 million court action against the Omagh bomb suspects wants to give evidence from America to protect his life, it emerged yesterday.
David Rupert, the US trucking company boss who infiltrated the Real IRA, has agreed to aid victims' relatives in their unprecedented attempt to sue convicted terrorists.
His account was crucial in securing the conviction in Dublin last year of dissident republican mastermind Michael McKevitt - one of the five men named in the writ.
But a lawyer for the families told Belfast High Court how authorities in the Republic were put under intense strain keeping the informer safe.
Lord Brennan QC said: "David Rupert's involvement in that trial led to the most elaborate security measures which represented a great strain on security personnel services.
"It cost a great deal of money but most important of all it was required to protect the life of David Rupert,
"We will make an application at an appropriate time for David Rupert to give evidence by way of video link between the United States and this court."
The barrister revealed his plans at a preliminary hearing to set out a timetable for the landmark action against the men allegedly behind the attack that claimed 29 lives.
Hundreds more were injured when the Real IRA set off a massive car bomb in the centre of the Co Tyrone town.
But relatives of some of the dead are attempting to sue McKevitt, Seamus Daly, Seamus McKenna, Liam Campbell and Colm Murphy.
Although the action is being taken privately, the Government has provided �800,000 towards the estimated �1.5 million costs.
Lawyers for three of the men, McKevitt, Campbell and McKenna, appeared in court to defend the case.
As the Omagh families packed the public gallery, Lord Brennan stressed the huge damages being sought reflected the gravity of the alleged offences.
He said: "This wrongdoing is represented by determined terrorism representing an utter disregard for human life."
Both McKevitt and Campbell have lodged denials of any involvement, he told the court.
Referring to the latter's rebuttal, the barrister added: "Surprisingly, there was an additional denial that the Omagh bombing involved the Real IRA."
Both of the suspects, along with Daly and Murphy - the only one to be convicted in connection with the Omagh bombing - are already serving sentences in the Republic for Real IRA membership.
Solicitors acting for the victims' group served writs on each of the five suspects in 2002.
Following the hour-long hearing, Mr Justice Higgins agreed to set a provisional date of January 17 next year for the full hearing to begin.
By ALAN ERWIN
THE FBI spy testifying in a �10 million court action against the Omagh bomb suspects wants to give evidence from America to protect his life, it emerged yesterday.
David Rupert, the US trucking company boss who infiltrated the Real IRA, has agreed to aid victims' relatives in their unprecedented attempt to sue convicted terrorists.
His account was crucial in securing the conviction in Dublin last year of dissident republican mastermind Michael McKevitt - one of the five men named in the writ.
But a lawyer for the families told Belfast High Court how authorities in the Republic were put under intense strain keeping the informer safe.
Lord Brennan QC said: "David Rupert's involvement in that trial led to the most elaborate security measures which represented a great strain on security personnel services.
"It cost a great deal of money but most important of all it was required to protect the life of David Rupert,
"We will make an application at an appropriate time for David Rupert to give evidence by way of video link between the United States and this court."
The barrister revealed his plans at a preliminary hearing to set out a timetable for the landmark action against the men allegedly behind the attack that claimed 29 lives.
Hundreds more were injured when the Real IRA set off a massive car bomb in the centre of the Co Tyrone town.
But relatives of some of the dead are attempting to sue McKevitt, Seamus Daly, Seamus McKenna, Liam Campbell and Colm Murphy.
Although the action is being taken privately, the Government has provided �800,000 towards the estimated �1.5 million costs.
Lawyers for three of the men, McKevitt, Campbell and McKenna, appeared in court to defend the case.
As the Omagh families packed the public gallery, Lord Brennan stressed the huge damages being sought reflected the gravity of the alleged offences.
He said: "This wrongdoing is represented by determined terrorism representing an utter disregard for human life."
Both McKevitt and Campbell have lodged denials of any involvement, he told the court.
Referring to the latter's rebuttal, the barrister added: "Surprisingly, there was an additional denial that the Omagh bombing involved the Real IRA."
Both of the suspects, along with Daly and Murphy - the only one to be convicted in connection with the Omagh bombing - are already serving sentences in the Republic for Real IRA membership.
Solicitors acting for the victims' group served writs on each of the five suspects in 2002.
Following the hour-long hearing, Mr Justice Higgins agreed to set a provisional date of January 17 next year for the full hearing to begin.
Further Information
Publisher: NEWS LETTER
Ref: NL/536
Published Date: 24-Aug-04
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