OMAGH TRIAL TO BE SHOWN ON VIDEO LINK FOR RELATIVES
Omagh trial to be shown on video link for relatives
THE man accused of the Omagh bombing is due to go on trial today, and many of the victims' relatives will watch on video link.
For the duration of the trial of Sean Hoey, who is charged with the murder of 29 people in the bombing, relatives of those killed will be able to watch proceedings without having to travel to Belfast each day.
The use of a video link for those with an interest in a trial has never been used in Northern Ireland, and the chairman of the Omagh Victims' Group, Michael Gallagher, last night praised the Courts Service and Omagh College for making it possible.
Mr Gallagher plans to attend the first day of the hearing today in Belfast, but will make use of the facilities at Omagh College to follow the trial over the coming weeks.
"I was at the college on Friday morning and saw the system being tested," he said. "Two screens have been set up and the picture quality is very good."
Mr Gallagher, who lost his son, Aidan, in the bombing, also praised the location of the system for its comfort and easy access to amenities such as parking and refreshments.
"I would certainly welcome the decision to visualise the trial," he said. "It will take an enormous burden off those who would have had to travel up to the court every day."
Stanley McComb, whose wife, Ann, was killed in the atrocity, was among those who expressed relief at the decision.
"It's a great idea. There's a lot of people who don't like travelling that much every morning," he said.
"It means that a lot of family members that maybe can't get away every day can now view the proceedings for an hour or two."
Hoey's trial was adjourned on the opening day earlier this month after his senior defence lawyer, Orlando Pownall QC, declared himself too ill to continue.
Hoey, 37, denies 58 terrorist-related charges, including the murders of 29 people in the bombing in August, 1998.
THE man accused of the Omagh bombing is due to go on trial today, and many of the victims' relatives will watch on video link.
For the duration of the trial of Sean Hoey, who is charged with the murder of 29 people in the bombing, relatives of those killed will be able to watch proceedings without having to travel to Belfast each day.
The use of a video link for those with an interest in a trial has never been used in Northern Ireland, and the chairman of the Omagh Victims' Group, Michael Gallagher, last night praised the Courts Service and Omagh College for making it possible.
Mr Gallagher plans to attend the first day of the hearing today in Belfast, but will make use of the facilities at Omagh College to follow the trial over the coming weeks.
"I was at the college on Friday morning and saw the system being tested," he said. "Two screens have been set up and the picture quality is very good."
Mr Gallagher, who lost his son, Aidan, in the bombing, also praised the location of the system for its comfort and easy access to amenities such as parking and refreshments.
"I would certainly welcome the decision to visualise the trial," he said. "It will take an enormous burden off those who would have had to travel up to the court every day."
Stanley McComb, whose wife, Ann, was killed in the atrocity, was among those who expressed relief at the decision.
"It's a great idea. There's a lot of people who don't like travelling that much every morning," he said.
"It means that a lot of family members that maybe can't get away every day can now view the proceedings for an hour or two."
Hoey's trial was adjourned on the opening day earlier this month after his senior defence lawyer, Orlando Pownall QC, declared himself too ill to continue.
Hoey, 37, denies 58 terrorist-related charges, including the murders of 29 people in the bombing in August, 1998.
Further Information
Publisher: NEWS LETTER
Ref: NL/662
Published Date: 25-Sep-06
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