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JUSTICE IN THE DOCK...
SPECIAL REPORT
By PAULINE REYNOLDS

THE best the Omagh bomb victims cap expect from their civil action is that the men they point the finger at are "probably guilty" rather than "guilty beyond reasonable doubt".
That is the opinion of solicitor Victor Barker, who has been working tirelessly with other bereaved families in their fight for justice.
His much loved 12-year-old son James was caught by the full force of the 600lb bomb, and died of multiple internal injuries.
On Friday, writs were served on five men, who relatives suspect, were responsible for the horrific carnage.
They claim "damages (including aggravated damages and/or exemplary damages)... for which the defendants and each of them are responsible."
The writs further demand damages "for the intentional infliction of harm, trespass to the person and/or conspiracy to commit trespass to the person and/or conspiracy to injure".
Speaking from his law practice in Surrey last night, Victor explained the next legal move.
"If the five don't file a defence within 28 days, then we can apply for a judgment in default," he said.
"However, we still have to go to court to prove our case.
"If we are successful, we are then entitled to a declaration that they have committed various wrongs, and that they are responsible for the damages which ensue. "If they defend the case, we will go to a full blown trial, with them giving evidence as well. "It is up to the court to decide who is right and who is wrong."
Victor, who is from England, was living with his family in Buncrana Co Donegal, at the time of the Omagh atrocity.
He has since moved them all back, in an attempt to pick up the pieces of their shattered lives.
"To be honest, I find it very painful to return to Ireland," he said. "But knowing the writs have been served was an awakening for me.
"They have got to answer for what they have done."
Win or lose, the civil action will be a huge financial burden.
No-one in this country, or the rest of the UK, has ever won a case for damages against anyone accused of terrorist-related activities
The court costs could be as much as £2 million, and already the Omagh Victims' Legal Trust has raised around £1.5million.
Said Victor: "We remain eternally grateful to the ordinary people, and the more famous, who have very kindly contributed to the fund.
"There is no way we could have reached this stage without their generosity.
"But more money is still needed, to make up the shortfall."
Contributions can be made to: the Omagh Victims' Legal Trust Fund, 21 Southwick Mews, London W2 1JG, or 58 Wendover Court, Chiltern Street, London W1U 7NU.