OMAGH BOMB TRIAL DELAYED
OMAGH BOMB TRIAL DELAYED
BY RONAN McSHERRY
r.mcsherry@ulsterherald.com
RELATIVES of the victims of the Omagh bomb have expressed dismay that the trial of the only person to face charges relating to the atrocity has been adjourned at the last minute.
Sean Gerard Hoey, 37, an electrician of Molly Road, Jonesborough, Co. Armagh, is charged with murdering the 29 people killed in the explosion on August 15,1998.
Although the unexpected adjournment came as a shock, it may allow the authorities time to organise a venue to beam proceedings live to Omagh. It is hoped the trial can commence on Monday week, September 18, although it may resume at an earlier date if the senior defence counsel Orlando Pownall is well enough to represent his client.
Over 30 relatives of those killed were in the public gallery, while La-ganside Crown Court in Belfast was also thronged with media and the defence and prosecution teams. Hoey sat in the dock flanked by two security officers. He was dressed in a suede jacket, an open-neck striped shirt and jeans.
Families and friends of some of the victims who had travelled from Omagh by bus for the first day of the case, said they were disappointed the trial had not gone ahead as planned.
Michael Gallagher said, "It is extremely disappointing for the families as we thought the court case was about to get underway. It is unbelievable there was such short notice and indeed none at all. We only heard at the same time as everyone else, in the court. We now hope it starts on September 18."
Mr Pownall is regarded as one of Britain's leading QCs. He addressed the trial judge Mr Justice Weir making him aware that he was not well enough to continue in the case. The defence barrister said, "It is with great embarrassment I address the court on my own behalf. I am unwell and appear against medical advice but I am here out of respect for this court and my client who faces charges of unprecedented seriousness. It is imperative this case proceeds as quickly and as fairly as possible. The victims require closure and Sean Hoey deserves a fair trial. For a fair trial Sean Hoey deserves to be properly represented by counsel fit to represent his case. Since Mr Hoey's arrest in September 2003, he more than anybody else has wanted the case to proceed as swiftly as possible."
The senior barrister stated that it was the first time ever in his career he had asked for an adjournment on health reasons. He added that while it must have been infuriating for the judge to learn of his condition only the day before, "It was not an attempt to keep the Court in the dark or railroad it into this position." Mr Pownall apologised and said that he will be undergoing health checks and hops to be well enough to proceed by Monday week.
He concluded, "Mr Hoey is entitled be represented by senior counsel a sadly we are all susceptible to illness.
Mr Justice Weir was clearly not happy and let the defence barrister know he was, "Frustrated and disappointed with the unfortunate turn of events." He grilled Mr Pownall as to why he had not been informed of his illness earlier. Granting the adjournment the trial judge said, "This is a serious case. I urge Mr Pownall to get to grips with the situation sooner than later and come forward with some suggestion as to how we should proceed."
BY RONAN McSHERRY
r.mcsherry@ulsterherald.com
RELATIVES of the victims of the Omagh bomb have expressed dismay that the trial of the only person to face charges relating to the atrocity has been adjourned at the last minute.
Sean Gerard Hoey, 37, an electrician of Molly Road, Jonesborough, Co. Armagh, is charged with murdering the 29 people killed in the explosion on August 15,1998.
Although the unexpected adjournment came as a shock, it may allow the authorities time to organise a venue to beam proceedings live to Omagh. It is hoped the trial can commence on Monday week, September 18, although it may resume at an earlier date if the senior defence counsel Orlando Pownall is well enough to represent his client.
Over 30 relatives of those killed were in the public gallery, while La-ganside Crown Court in Belfast was also thronged with media and the defence and prosecution teams. Hoey sat in the dock flanked by two security officers. He was dressed in a suede jacket, an open-neck striped shirt and jeans.
Families and friends of some of the victims who had travelled from Omagh by bus for the first day of the case, said they were disappointed the trial had not gone ahead as planned.
Michael Gallagher said, "It is extremely disappointing for the families as we thought the court case was about to get underway. It is unbelievable there was such short notice and indeed none at all. We only heard at the same time as everyone else, in the court. We now hope it starts on September 18."
Mr Pownall is regarded as one of Britain's leading QCs. He addressed the trial judge Mr Justice Weir making him aware that he was not well enough to continue in the case. The defence barrister said, "It is with great embarrassment I address the court on my own behalf. I am unwell and appear against medical advice but I am here out of respect for this court and my client who faces charges of unprecedented seriousness. It is imperative this case proceeds as quickly and as fairly as possible. The victims require closure and Sean Hoey deserves a fair trial. For a fair trial Sean Hoey deserves to be properly represented by counsel fit to represent his case. Since Mr Hoey's arrest in September 2003, he more than anybody else has wanted the case to proceed as swiftly as possible."
The senior barrister stated that it was the first time ever in his career he had asked for an adjournment on health reasons. He added that while it must have been infuriating for the judge to learn of his condition only the day before, "It was not an attempt to keep the Court in the dark or railroad it into this position." Mr Pownall apologised and said that he will be undergoing health checks and hops to be well enough to proceed by Monday week.
He concluded, "Mr Hoey is entitled be represented by senior counsel a sadly we are all susceptible to illness.
Mr Justice Weir was clearly not happy and let the defence barrister know he was, "Frustrated and disappointed with the unfortunate turn of events." He grilled Mr Pownall as to why he had not been informed of his illness earlier. Granting the adjournment the trial judge said, "This is a serious case. I urge Mr Pownall to get to grips with the situation sooner than later and come forward with some suggestion as to how we should proceed."
Further Information
Publisher: ULSTER HERALD
Ref: UH/1861
Published Date: 07-Sep-06
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