OMAGH BOMB TRIAL DISQUIET SPURS ON CONTINUED INVESTIGATIONS
Omagh bomb trial 'disquiet' spurs on continued investigations
by Emma Stewart
As the Police Ombudsman (PONI) extends its inquiry into officers' conduct during the Omagh bomb investigation,the Northern Ireland Policing Board has agreed to meet with bereaved families to discuss plans for a simultaneous independent external review.
Following PSNI revelations that one of the two officers whose conduct was originally under scrutiny had been 'repositioned' to perform other duties, it was confirmed that the second officer has been allowed to remain in their post, because their "duties currently fall within the restrictions required by PONI, and repositioning is not necessary".
The implications of last year's Omagh bomb trial, which offered a damning indictment of the police investigation into the 1998 atrocity, continue to spur on examinations of RUC and PSNI processes throughout.
Having expressed grave concerns over the police investigation, trial judge, Mr Justice Weir, felt sufficient 'disquiet' at the actions of two officers in particular, to forward evidential transcripts to the Police Ombudsman.
Levying accusations of attempting to mislead the court, by 'beefing up' evidence, he indicated his belief that others might also be involved.
This same scathing criticism, which cited 'deliberate and calculated deception' caused the Northern Ireland Policing Board to forge ahead with plans for an independent review.
Following a request from Michael Gallagher, whose son Aidan was murdered in the 1998 Real IRA attack, the board are to meet with bereaved Omagh families, offering an opportunity to put forward their thoughts and feelings on the review, and potential future prosecutions.
However, although pleased by the development, Mr Gallagher remains adamant that a full cross-border inquiry is the only way forward, noting that the Policing Board review is only 'part of the story'.
Speaking after last week's meeting, board chairman, Professor Sir Desmond Rea, said: "In their discussions this week, board members were very mindful of the view of all those who have suffered, and continue to suffer, as a result of the Omagh bombing atrocity; and agreed that before taking any further action in respect of agreeing terms of reference for the review, a meeting with the Omagh families should be arranged".
by Emma Stewart
As the Police Ombudsman (PONI) extends its inquiry into officers' conduct during the Omagh bomb investigation,the Northern Ireland Policing Board has agreed to meet with bereaved families to discuss plans for a simultaneous independent external review.
Following PSNI revelations that one of the two officers whose conduct was originally under scrutiny had been 'repositioned' to perform other duties, it was confirmed that the second officer has been allowed to remain in their post, because their "duties currently fall within the restrictions required by PONI, and repositioning is not necessary".
The implications of last year's Omagh bomb trial, which offered a damning indictment of the police investigation into the 1998 atrocity, continue to spur on examinations of RUC and PSNI processes throughout.
Having expressed grave concerns over the police investigation, trial judge, Mr Justice Weir, felt sufficient 'disquiet' at the actions of two officers in particular, to forward evidential transcripts to the Police Ombudsman.
Levying accusations of attempting to mislead the court, by 'beefing up' evidence, he indicated his belief that others might also be involved.
This same scathing criticism, which cited 'deliberate and calculated deception' caused the Northern Ireland Policing Board to forge ahead with plans for an independent review.
Following a request from Michael Gallagher, whose son Aidan was murdered in the 1998 Real IRA attack, the board are to meet with bereaved Omagh families, offering an opportunity to put forward their thoughts and feelings on the review, and potential future prosecutions.
However, although pleased by the development, Mr Gallagher remains adamant that a full cross-border inquiry is the only way forward, noting that the Policing Board review is only 'part of the story'.
Speaking after last week's meeting, board chairman, Professor Sir Desmond Rea, said: "In their discussions this week, board members were very mindful of the view of all those who have suffered, and continue to suffer, as a result of the Omagh bombing atrocity; and agreed that before taking any further action in respect of agreeing terms of reference for the review, a meeting with the Omagh families should be arranged".
Further Information
Publisher: TYRONE CONSTITUTION
Ref: TC/1912
Published Date: 24-Jan-08
Related Images
There have been no images archived for this article.