OMAGH BOMB ACCUSED BRINGS IN DNA EXPERT
Omagh bomb accused brings in DNA expert
AN electrician accused of making the Omagh bomb is bringing in a DNA expert in order to prove the police investigating the bombing are biased.
Sean Gerard Hoey, 34, who denies having any part in either the Omagh bombing or the series of terrorist attacks leading up to it, is facing 18 charges involving explosives and membership of the Real IRA.
However, at Craigavon Magistrates Court last Thursday defence solicitor Peter Corrigan demanded access to notes made by the prosecution forensic scientist based on police briefings.
BIASED
He alleged the report was biased and therefore in violation of Hoey's human rights.
He said, "We have instructed a defence DNA expert to comment in particular on whether or not the prosecution biologist's report is partisan and biased.
"This may provide the defence expert with evidence that police exerted undue influence on the scientist."
In addition to possession of a timer power unit between March 1997 and August 16, 1998, Hoey is also charged with conspiring to cause explosions at a police station in Armagh, Blackwatertown and in Banbridge.
The accused's application for bail has been refused, and he listened to the proceedings from prison via a video link.
UPDATE
Magistrate Alan White urged investigating officers to provide an update on the state of the case.
Remanding Hoey in custody until September 16, he said, "I want a full explanation made to me.
"I will include this issue of access by the defendant to forensic records. Why, if they are not being allowed access, what are the reasons for that.
'I'm not saying I'm going to order it, I'm going to look at the issues. I have a duty to monitor the progress of the case."
AN electrician accused of making the Omagh bomb is bringing in a DNA expert in order to prove the police investigating the bombing are biased.
Sean Gerard Hoey, 34, who denies having any part in either the Omagh bombing or the series of terrorist attacks leading up to it, is facing 18 charges involving explosives and membership of the Real IRA.
However, at Craigavon Magistrates Court last Thursday defence solicitor Peter Corrigan demanded access to notes made by the prosecution forensic scientist based on police briefings.
BIASED
He alleged the report was biased and therefore in violation of Hoey's human rights.
He said, "We have instructed a defence DNA expert to comment in particular on whether or not the prosecution biologist's report is partisan and biased.
"This may provide the defence expert with evidence that police exerted undue influence on the scientist."
In addition to possession of a timer power unit between March 1997 and August 16, 1998, Hoey is also charged with conspiring to cause explosions at a police station in Armagh, Blackwatertown and in Banbridge.
The accused's application for bail has been refused, and he listened to the proceedings from prison via a video link.
UPDATE
Magistrate Alan White urged investigating officers to provide an update on the state of the case.
Remanding Hoey in custody until September 16, he said, "I want a full explanation made to me.
"I will include this issue of access by the defendant to forensic records. Why, if they are not being allowed access, what are the reasons for that.
'I'm not saying I'm going to order it, I'm going to look at the issues. I have a duty to monitor the progress of the case."
Further Information
Publisher: ULSTER HERALD
Ref: UH/1784
Published Date: 26-Aug-04
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