TC/0843

New trial date for Omagh bomb accused

THE Special Criminal Court in Dublin has fixed a new date for the trial of a man accused in connection with the Omagh bombing of August 15, 1998.
The trial of Colm Murphy was due to start this week but has been adjourned until October 9 because the court is currently hearing the trial of John Gilligan, who is accused of murdering journalist Veronia Guerin in 1996.
Murphy (48), a father-of-four, is a building contractor and publican with an address at Jordan's Corner, Ravensdale, Co. Louth. He is a native of Co. Armagh
He is charged with conspiring in Dundalk with another person not before the court to cause an explosion in the State or elsewhere between August 13 and 16, 1998.
He is also charged with membership of an illegal organisation styling itself Oglaigh na hEireann on August 14, 1998.
Twenty-nine people were killed and hundreds injured in the Omagh bomb. The Real IRA later claimed responsibility for the atrocity.
Prosecuting counsel Mr. Peter Charleton told the court that the charges referred to two explosions, one in Omagh and another in Banbridge, Co. Down.
Mr. Charleton said there was technical evidence in relation to phones and the tracking of phones and that he expected the trial to last three to four weeks.
The court also heard that papers had been served on the BBC and the Daily Mail newspaper alleging contempt of court and prejudice to Murphy's right to a fair trial because of material in a BBC Panorama programme which was also reprinted in the Daily Mail.
The court is to hear legal submissions on the contempt issue on January 29.
Murphy was remanded on continuing bail of IR£50,000 until October 9.