BREAK IN HUNT FOR OMAGH BOMBERS
BREAK IN HUNT FOR OMAGH BOMBERS
By SINEAD McCAVANA
Ulster cops boss signals new forensic techniques means...
THE Chief Constable has signalled that police are poised for a major breakthrough in the hunt for the Omagh bombers.
New forensic techniques, which were not available when the Real IRA bombed the town, in 1998, have increased the possibility of bringing charges against the killers.
Chief Constable, Hugh Orde, has revealed that he is optimistic that progress was being made in the investigation.
The PSNI boss said, in addition to the murder charges, he also hopes to bring prosecutions over the shameful deaths of two unborn children.
He said: "I want to charge someone with child destruction, in connection with the death of the unborn twins, to send out a message about what these people do."
Anyone who intends to destroy the life of a child capable of being born alive, can be sentenced to life imprisonment, under the Infant Life Act 1929.
"We're determined to catch those responsible," Mr Order insisted.
But, he added: "This is an exceptional, painstaking investigation, using cutting edge, forensic techniques."
The Chief Constable refused to expand further on the forensic techniques, and on how long it may take to bring new charges.
Michael Gallagher, whose son was killed in the atrocity, and a leading campaigner for justice, says any breakthrough in the police investigation is to be welcomed.
"All we can hope is that all the evidence has been preserved, so that when developments in forensic science are made, tests can be carried out on the material," he said.
"We welcome anything that can bring charges against these people, and no expense should be spared.
"No-one has yet been charged directly with the bombing, even though it was mass murder - 31 lives, including the unborn twins, were lost in 1998."
Avril Monaghan was eight months pregnant with twins, when she was killed, alongside her young daughter, and her mother, Mary Grimes.
By SINEAD McCAVANA
Ulster cops boss signals new forensic techniques means...
THE Chief Constable has signalled that police are poised for a major breakthrough in the hunt for the Omagh bombers.
New forensic techniques, which were not available when the Real IRA bombed the town, in 1998, have increased the possibility of bringing charges against the killers.
Chief Constable, Hugh Orde, has revealed that he is optimistic that progress was being made in the investigation.
The PSNI boss said, in addition to the murder charges, he also hopes to bring prosecutions over the shameful deaths of two unborn children.
He said: "I want to charge someone with child destruction, in connection with the death of the unborn twins, to send out a message about what these people do."
Anyone who intends to destroy the life of a child capable of being born alive, can be sentenced to life imprisonment, under the Infant Life Act 1929.
"We're determined to catch those responsible," Mr Order insisted.
But, he added: "This is an exceptional, painstaking investigation, using cutting edge, forensic techniques."
The Chief Constable refused to expand further on the forensic techniques, and on how long it may take to bring new charges.
Michael Gallagher, whose son was killed in the atrocity, and a leading campaigner for justice, says any breakthrough in the police investigation is to be welcomed.
"All we can hope is that all the evidence has been preserved, so that when developments in forensic science are made, tests can be carried out on the material," he said.
"We welcome anything that can bring charges against these people, and no expense should be spared.
"No-one has yet been charged directly with the bombing, even though it was mass murder - 31 lives, including the unborn twins, were lost in 1998."
Avril Monaghan was eight months pregnant with twins, when she was killed, alongside her young daughter, and her mother, Mary Grimes.
Further Information
Publisher: SUNDAY LIFE
Ref: SL/167
Published Date: 29-Feb-04
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