TYH/010

Only man convicted over the Omagh bomb walks free

THE only man convicted in connection with the Omagh bomb walked free on Friday pending a retrial.
And according to the chairman of the Omagh Families, this all ties in with his growing scepticism that the Irish Government never intends to ever convict anyone in connection with Omagh.
Colm Murphy, Dundalk, had been sentenced to fourteen years, but because of a problem with Garda evidence during the trial, the sentence was overturned on appeal.
The new trial could take place within six months.
On Wednesday of last week, 52 year old Murphy appeared at the Special Criminal Court in Dublin to comply with his bail conditions.
He must surrender his passport, sign on at a Dundalk Garda Station and reside at a named address at Plaster, Mount Pleasant, Dundalk.
At the court last Wednesday, Junior counsel, Richard Humphreys said one of the two independent sureties of £17,300, would be provided by Murphy's sister, Kathleen Tully who lives in Armagh.
Justice Diarmiud O'Donovan, presiding said Mr Murphy would have to back to the Court of Criminal Appeal to vary the order.
The second independent surety of £25,000 was to be provided by Murphy's daughter, Leonora from Ravensdale.
She told the court she was aware that her father was obliged to comply with the conditions of his bail.
Mr Humphreys said £34,600 cash lodgement required by the bail conditions had been lodged by Kathleen Tully, on behalf of Murphy because his financial circumstances had changed.
The Court of Criminal Appeal last week that the construction worker's business had ground to a halt after convicted in 2002 in connection with the Omagh bombing.
Murphy's lawyers said they seeking an order for costs against the state, which refused to grant Murphy legal aid during his original trial.
Senior Counsel Tom O'Connel the court to fix a date for Murphy's retrial.
He said two Gardai were currently facing prosecution for giving perjured evidence
"That prosecution will have to disposed of before the retrial takes place" he said.
Justice O'Donovan put the case mention in the Special Criminal Co April 5.
Angry but not surprised at the freeing of Murphy, Michael Gallagher said "It has been said to me by someone who I trust that the Irish government promised the Real IRA that there would be no convictions in relation to Omagh if there was a ceasefire. We are seeing fruit of that now'.
And although Colm Murphy may be off the hook for a while, the civil suit against him is continuing.
On February 4, the High Court Belfast will consider whether David Rupert will be allowed to give evidence via video link from America.
"If he is allowed to do so then that be good and will save the case a lot of money. Otherwise we will have to pay for him to come here to give evidence" said Mr Gallagher.