MOBILE PHONE LINKS ACCUSED TO OMAGH BOMBING, COURT IS TOLD
Mobile phone links accused to Omagh bombing, court is told
THE Special Criminal Court in Dublin, hearing the case of 49-year-old Colm Murphy charged with conspiracy to cause an explosion, has been told that the accused's mobile can be linked to the town.
The Court was told in evidence that a series of mobile phone calls made from the town could be linked. The revelation followed a ruling that evidence of use of mobile telephones on August 15, 1998, was admissible in the trial.
Murphy, the only man charged in connection with the bombing so far, is a publican and former builder, with an address in Ravensdale, Co. Louth. A native of Co. Armagh, he has pleaded not guilty to conspiring in Dundalk with another to cause an explosion in the State or elsewhere, between August 13 and 16, 1998.
The prosecution in the case has alleged that Murphy "lent his aid" to the Omagh bombers, knowing they were to plant a bomb, but not necessarily knowing where it was to be detonated.
The court overruled defence objections and accepted that the mobile telephone evidence was relevant to proving Murphy's innocence or guilt. Prosecuting counsel, Mr. Peter Charleton SC, said he was calling the evidence to support admissions the prosecution alleges that Murphy made to Gardai.
The defence team, meanwhile, denied those admissions were made, and argues that comments made by Murphy to police did not indicate prior knowledge of the use of his phone was put to at the time of the bombing.
Earlier in the case, Detective Garda, James Hanley, testified that Murphy had admitted in interviews that he lent his mobile phone to Republicans, knowing it would be used for moving bombs.
The court heard detailed evidence of mobile phone traffic around Omagh and Dundalk on the day of the bombing.
Evidence was given that 11 calls were made to and from a mobile phone belonging to Murphy on August 15.
The defence team is challenging the admissibility of the mobile phone evidence.
An intelligence analyst with the Northern Ireland Office told the court she had faxed details of the mobile phone traffic on the day of the bombing.
Lisa Purnell said she sent a chart and description of a cell site to Detective Sergeant John Costello in February 1999 after she had dis
The case resumed yesterday (Wednesday) following a short adjournment, to allow a witness from Belfast to attend.
THE Special Criminal Court in Dublin, hearing the case of 49-year-old Colm Murphy charged with conspiracy to cause an explosion, has been told that the accused's mobile can be linked to the town.
The Court was told in evidence that a series of mobile phone calls made from the town could be linked. The revelation followed a ruling that evidence of use of mobile telephones on August 15, 1998, was admissible in the trial.
Murphy, the only man charged in connection with the bombing so far, is a publican and former builder, with an address in Ravensdale, Co. Louth. A native of Co. Armagh, he has pleaded not guilty to conspiring in Dundalk with another to cause an explosion in the State or elsewhere, between August 13 and 16, 1998.
The prosecution in the case has alleged that Murphy "lent his aid" to the Omagh bombers, knowing they were to plant a bomb, but not necessarily knowing where it was to be detonated.
The court overruled defence objections and accepted that the mobile telephone evidence was relevant to proving Murphy's innocence or guilt. Prosecuting counsel, Mr. Peter Charleton SC, said he was calling the evidence to support admissions the prosecution alleges that Murphy made to Gardai.
The defence team, meanwhile, denied those admissions were made, and argues that comments made by Murphy to police did not indicate prior knowledge of the use of his phone was put to at the time of the bombing.
Earlier in the case, Detective Garda, James Hanley, testified that Murphy had admitted in interviews that he lent his mobile phone to Republicans, knowing it would be used for moving bombs.
The court heard detailed evidence of mobile phone traffic around Omagh and Dundalk on the day of the bombing.
Evidence was given that 11 calls were made to and from a mobile phone belonging to Murphy on August 15.
The defence team is challenging the admissibility of the mobile phone evidence.
An intelligence analyst with the Northern Ireland Office told the court she had faxed details of the mobile phone traffic on the day of the bombing.
Lisa Purnell said she sent a chart and description of a cell site to Detective Sergeant John Costello in February 1999 after she had dis
The case resumed yesterday (Wednesday) following a short adjournment, to allow a witness from Belfast to attend.
Further Information
Publisher: TYRONE CONSTITUTION
Ref: TC/0945
Published Date: 15-Nov-01
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