OMBUDSMAN'S REPORT TO BE SUBJECT OF JUDICAL REVIEW
Ombudsman's report to be subject of judicial review
BY ADRIAN MULLAN
SEVERAL aspects of the Ombudsman's report into the police handling of the Omagh bombing will be scrutinised when the Police Association, brings the report before a judicial review in the High Court today.
The report strongly criticised the police for failing to properly respond to warnings that Omagh was to be attacked and, for its handling of the investigation.
When the report was released, the then Chief Constable, Ronnie Flanagan, who was the subject of criticism, said that he would publicly commit suicide if what was written about him was true.
He had claimed that the report was inaccurate and error ridden and caused upset and distress to the relatives of the victims.
A number of people are expected to present affidavits which support the Police Association's demand for the report to be quashed, amongst them are Ronnie Flanagan, and Former Assistant Chief Constable, Ray White.
It is thought that the Ombudsman's office will defend the report drawing on affidavits from PSNI Deputy Chief Constable Alan McQuillan and Assistant Chief, Sam Kincaid. It is believed that they will say that they were unable to take charge of the Omagh inquiry due to the nature of the regime operated by Flanagan and White.
The hearing is not expected to last more than two days with judgement likely to be reserved.
Local man Laurence Rush, whose wife, Libby was among those killed, will be at the hearing, however, Lord Justice Kerr, ruled that he could not take part in the proceedings as an 'interested party'.
BY ADRIAN MULLAN
SEVERAL aspects of the Ombudsman's report into the police handling of the Omagh bombing will be scrutinised when the Police Association, brings the report before a judicial review in the High Court today.
The report strongly criticised the police for failing to properly respond to warnings that Omagh was to be attacked and, for its handling of the investigation.
When the report was released, the then Chief Constable, Ronnie Flanagan, who was the subject of criticism, said that he would publicly commit suicide if what was written about him was true.
He had claimed that the report was inaccurate and error ridden and caused upset and distress to the relatives of the victims.
A number of people are expected to present affidavits which support the Police Association's demand for the report to be quashed, amongst them are Ronnie Flanagan, and Former Assistant Chief Constable, Ray White.
It is thought that the Ombudsman's office will defend the report drawing on affidavits from PSNI Deputy Chief Constable Alan McQuillan and Assistant Chief, Sam Kincaid. It is believed that they will say that they were unable to take charge of the Omagh inquiry due to the nature of the regime operated by Flanagan and White.
The hearing is not expected to last more than two days with judgement likely to be reserved.
Local man Laurence Rush, whose wife, Libby was among those killed, will be at the hearing, however, Lord Justice Kerr, ruled that he could not take part in the proceedings as an 'interested party'.
Further Information
Publisher: ULSTER HERALD
Ref: UH/1535
Published Date: 23-Jan-03
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