LEGAL AID FOR BOMB SUSPECTS 'OUTRAGEOUS' MP CLAIMS
Legal aid for bomb suspects 'outrageous', MP claims
AN MP has called for a debate in the House of Commons into claims that two of the men facing civil legal action over the Omagh bombing have been granted legal aid.
Roy Beggs, the UUP chief whip, has asked for a debate on the legal aid regulations.
He said it was "outrageous" that that legal aid should be provided for those suspected of being behind the murder of 29 people and two unborn children, yet private finance had had to be raised by those representing the relatives in bringing their unprecedented legal action.
He claimed the men had become wealthy "through terrorist crime"
He asked: "Can time be allocated to enable the House to consider whether the present legal aid regulations require amendment so that suspects and victims are treated equally under the law?"
Responding, Mr Robin Cook said all MPs would agree that anyone brought before the courts and charged with a serious offence should be defended.
He said, though, that if anyone had evidence that a person applying for legal aid had not made a full declaration, they should share that information with the police and the Legal Aid Board.
AN MP has called for a debate in the House of Commons into claims that two of the men facing civil legal action over the Omagh bombing have been granted legal aid.
Roy Beggs, the UUP chief whip, has asked for a debate on the legal aid regulations.
He said it was "outrageous" that that legal aid should be provided for those suspected of being behind the murder of 29 people and two unborn children, yet private finance had had to be raised by those representing the relatives in bringing their unprecedented legal action.
He claimed the men had become wealthy "through terrorist crime"
He asked: "Can time be allocated to enable the House to consider whether the present legal aid regulations require amendment so that suspects and victims are treated equally under the law?"
Responding, Mr Robin Cook said all MPs would agree that anyone brought before the courts and charged with a serious offence should be defended.
He said, though, that if anyone had evidence that a person applying for legal aid had not made a full declaration, they should share that information with the police and the Legal Aid Board.
Further Information
Publisher: TYRONE CONSTITUTION
Ref: TC/1594
Published Date: 30-Jan-03
Related Images
There have been no images archived for this article.