TAPE SUGGESTS RUC KNEW OF BOMB
Tape suggests RUC knew of bomb
A DERRY solicitor received a tape recently which - if proven to be genuine - could prove that the RUC knew about the Omagh bomb prior to the August 1998 atrocity.
Des Doherty, who represents Lawrence Rush, husband of Libby who died in the bomb, received the tape and, after listening to what is thought to be its dramatic contents, forwarded it to the Police Ombudsman's office.
A copy of the tape, however, came into the possession of the Derry News newspaper which today (Thursday) discloses its contents.
The tape was sent from London and it recorded a conversation between a journalist working on a British national paper and a senior Tory figure. They are discussing the role of the RUC Special Branch agent known as Kevin Fulton.
The first part of the tape is a man with a Derry accent, who speaks to the reporter before putting the politician onto the line.
In the course of the tape the journalist plays another tape which is of Kevin Fulton speaking to a Special Branch handler. It was recorded in July 2001.
On this recording, Fulton asks the named Special Branch man if he passed on his warning about the Omagh bombing prior to the attack and if this information 'was passed into the system'. However, the officer refuses to answer clearly Fulton's questions.
However when the original tape comes back on it records the politician telling the journalist that the officer concerned had previously confirmed to him that he had passed on the warning.
The tape goes on to recount the journalist saying that he had independent corroboration that the Branch officer had passed on the information about Fulton.
The Ombudsman Nuala O'Loan confirmed that she had received the tape from a solicitor in Derry which contained information relating to the man known as Kevin Fulton.
"However our extensive investigations into the matters surrounding the tragic events of the Omagh bombing are complete" she added.
Speaking yesterday, Lawrence Rush said that he had heard the tape and that the voice was definitely that of Kevin Fulton, with whom he has spoken to about the bombing.
"This tape confirms to me that at the very least, the RUC were aware of the attack of some sort was due to take place. Fulton even provided the name and details of the persons involved.
Mr Rush and his solicitor is currently suing the RUC Chief Constable and the NI Secretary of State for negligence, malfeasance and breach of statutory duty.
Des Doherty said, "When Fulton made his position public, he was ridiculed and demonised by the RUC.
"It is clear from listening to this tape that he has not been treated as a Walter Mitty type figure and that his warnings were genuine" he added.
A DERRY solicitor received a tape recently which - if proven to be genuine - could prove that the RUC knew about the Omagh bomb prior to the August 1998 atrocity.
Des Doherty, who represents Lawrence Rush, husband of Libby who died in the bomb, received the tape and, after listening to what is thought to be its dramatic contents, forwarded it to the Police Ombudsman's office.
A copy of the tape, however, came into the possession of the Derry News newspaper which today (Thursday) discloses its contents.
The tape was sent from London and it recorded a conversation between a journalist working on a British national paper and a senior Tory figure. They are discussing the role of the RUC Special Branch agent known as Kevin Fulton.
The first part of the tape is a man with a Derry accent, who speaks to the reporter before putting the politician onto the line.
In the course of the tape the journalist plays another tape which is of Kevin Fulton speaking to a Special Branch handler. It was recorded in July 2001.
On this recording, Fulton asks the named Special Branch man if he passed on his warning about the Omagh bombing prior to the attack and if this information 'was passed into the system'. However, the officer refuses to answer clearly Fulton's questions.
However when the original tape comes back on it records the politician telling the journalist that the officer concerned had previously confirmed to him that he had passed on the warning.
The tape goes on to recount the journalist saying that he had independent corroboration that the Branch officer had passed on the information about Fulton.
The Ombudsman Nuala O'Loan confirmed that she had received the tape from a solicitor in Derry which contained information relating to the man known as Kevin Fulton.
"However our extensive investigations into the matters surrounding the tragic events of the Omagh bombing are complete" she added.
Speaking yesterday, Lawrence Rush said that he had heard the tape and that the voice was definitely that of Kevin Fulton, with whom he has spoken to about the bombing.
"This tape confirms to me that at the very least, the RUC were aware of the attack of some sort was due to take place. Fulton even provided the name and details of the persons involved.
Mr Rush and his solicitor is currently suing the RUC Chief Constable and the NI Secretary of State for negligence, malfeasance and breach of statutory duty.
Des Doherty said, "When Fulton made his position public, he was ridiculed and demonised by the RUC.
"It is clear from listening to this tape that he has not been treated as a Walter Mitty type figure and that his warnings were genuine" he added.
Further Information
Publisher: ULSTER HERALD
Ref: UH/1095
Published Date: 12-Sep-02
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