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Omagh bomb case legal aid problem

THE Omagh bomb victims' £14 million claim could end up being one-way traffic, it emerged in the High Court in Belfast yesterday.
Just three of the five defendants have entered a legal defence and continuing representation by lawyers is in doubt because of difficulties over legal aid.
Mr Justice Higgins was told that Michael McKevitt, Liam Campbell and Seamus McKenna have already been refused legal aid.
Lord Brennan, QC, for the plaintiffs, said the trial of the action was already fixed for next January and it was in the interests of justice that decisions were taken soon about legal aid.
Mr Justice Higgins said the court would like to be kept up-to-date about the legal aid position and adjourned the hearing until September to decide whether US "superspy" David Rupert will be allowed to give evidence via video link because of fears for his safety.