CHALLENGE TO DAMNING OMAGH REPORT IS WITHDRAWN
Challenge to damning Omagh report is withdrawn
A LEGAL challenge to some of the findings of the highly critical Ombudsman's report into the Omagh bomb investigation has been dropped.
The Police Association, which represents all ranks within the police service, had sought a judicial review of Mrs Nuala O'Loan's damning report.
In particular the association was incensed by specific allegations made by the Ombudsman against named senior officers of the then RUC.
However, at the High Court in Belfast at the end of last week, the application for a review was withdrawn by the Police Association.
In turn, the Ombudsman's office accepted that, with hindsight, senior officers should have been given more notice of the report than the two weeks granted for a response before the document was published.
A statement read out in court said: "The parties consider that this resolution of their differences is in the public interest.
Mr Justice Kerr praised both sides for being able to settle a complex dispute.
He said it was "a commendable disposal" of very difficult litigation.
After the hearing, Mrs O'Loan said the settlement meant her report still stood.
A LEGAL challenge to some of the findings of the highly critical Ombudsman's report into the Omagh bomb investigation has been dropped.
The Police Association, which represents all ranks within the police service, had sought a judicial review of Mrs Nuala O'Loan's damning report.
In particular the association was incensed by specific allegations made by the Ombudsman against named senior officers of the then RUC.
However, at the High Court in Belfast at the end of last week, the application for a review was withdrawn by the Police Association.
In turn, the Ombudsman's office accepted that, with hindsight, senior officers should have been given more notice of the report than the two weeks granted for a response before the document was published.
A statement read out in court said: "The parties consider that this resolution of their differences is in the public interest.
Mr Justice Kerr praised both sides for being able to settle a complex dispute.
He said it was "a commendable disposal" of very difficult litigation.
After the hearing, Mrs O'Loan said the settlement meant her report still stood.
Further Information
Publisher: TYRONE CONSTITUTION
Ref: TC/1595
Published Date: 30-Jan-03
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