UH/0729

Colm Murphy trial put back again

THE trial of a man accused of plotting the Omagh bombing is set to begin in Dublin Special Criminal Court on October 9.
Colm Murphy (48), a building contractor and publican with an address at Jordan's Corner, Ravensdale, Co Louth, was due to stand trial this week. But the case was adjourned because the court is currently hearing the trial of John Gilligan, who is accused of the 1996 murder of journalist Veronica Guerin.
Murphy, a father of four, is charged with conspiring in Dundalk with another person not before the court, to cause an explosion between August 13 and 16 1998.
He also faces a charge of membership of an illegal organisation styling itself Oglaigh na hEireann on August 14, 1998.
On the day the trial was fixed, prosecuting counsel Peter Charleton QC told the court that the charges were in connection with two explosions, one in Omagh and the other in Banbridge.
Mr Charleton said there was technical evidence in relation to phones and the tracking of phones. He expected the trial would last between three and four weeks.
The court also heard that papers had been served on the BBC and the Daily Mail newspaper alleging contempt of court and prejudice to Murphy's right of a fair trial because of material in a BBC Panorama programme which was also reprinted in the Daily Mail.
The court is due to hear legal submissions on the contempt issue on January 29.
Murphy was remanded on continuing bail of IR£50,000 until October 9.