OMAGH BOMB CHARGE MAN REFUSED BAIL
Omagh bomb charge man refused bail
A MAN charged in connection with the Omagh bombing was refused bail at the special criminal court in Dublin on Tuesday.
Four weeks ago, Colm Murphy (48), a native of Co. Armagh, but who now lives at Jordan's Corner, Ravensdale, near Dundalk, was the first person to be charged with plotting the bomb, which killed 29 people, and injured hundreds more.
He is charged with conspiring with persons not before the court to cause an explosion likely to endanger life or cause serious injury to property, whether within the state or elsewhere, between August 13 and 16 last year.
He is also charged with membership of an unlawful organisation on August 14 last.
Opposing bail, Superintendent Thomas Flannery told Tuesday's court that the conspiracy charge related to the Omagh bomb.
He added that gardai believed Murphy, a father-of-four, belonged to "Republican Sinn Fein and its associated organisation, the Continuity Army Council".
The Real IRA, another republican dissident group, admitted responsibility for the Omagh atrocity.
Murphy's wife, Anne, told the court that he employed 28 people directly in his building business.
However, refusing bail, Mr. Justice Frederick Morris said there was "very great reality" that Murphy would not attend his trial.
He was remanded in custody to appear in court again on April 27.
A MAN charged in connection with the Omagh bombing was refused bail at the special criminal court in Dublin on Tuesday.
Four weeks ago, Colm Murphy (48), a native of Co. Armagh, but who now lives at Jordan's Corner, Ravensdale, near Dundalk, was the first person to be charged with plotting the bomb, which killed 29 people, and injured hundreds more.
He is charged with conspiring with persons not before the court to cause an explosion likely to endanger life or cause serious injury to property, whether within the state or elsewhere, between August 13 and 16 last year.
He is also charged with membership of an unlawful organisation on August 14 last.
Opposing bail, Superintendent Thomas Flannery told Tuesday's court that the conspiracy charge related to the Omagh bomb.
He added that gardai believed Murphy, a father-of-four, belonged to "Republican Sinn Fein and its associated organisation, the Continuity Army Council".
The Real IRA, another republican dissident group, admitted responsibility for the Omagh atrocity.
Murphy's wife, Anne, told the court that he employed 28 people directly in his building business.
However, refusing bail, Mr. Justice Frederick Morris said there was "very great reality" that Murphy would not attend his trial.
He was remanded in custody to appear in court again on April 27.
Further Information
Publisher: TYRONE CONSTITUTION
Ref: TC/1335
Published Date: 25-Mar-99
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