OMAGH BOMB FAMILIES WELCOME LIVE LINK-UP TO COURT PROCEEDINGS
Omagh bomb families welcome live link-up to court proceedings
RONAN McSHERRY
r. mcsherry@usterherald. com
AS the trial of Sean Hoey from Jonesborough, Armagh enters its fourth day, those affected by the Omagh bomb have expressed their satisfaction that the proceedings are being beamed live to the College in the town.
The innovation will save relatives and friends of the victims a round trip of 140 miles to Laganside Crown Court in Belfast. This comes as a great relief to those who were faced with the prospect of travelling up and down the motorway for the next three months.
Michael Gallagher, Chairman of the Omagh Self Help and Support Group, said, "It is first class. It is the first time in Ireland there has been a video link and Omagh is the first to lave it, so it is good. I intend to be ;here every day."
The link, between the court and Omagh College, was set up at the re-' quest of a relative's support group and will be available throughout the trial.
At the beginning of the trial, Mr Justice Weir read a statement regarding the one-way link-up. He made it clear that the conference room at the College would in effect be an extension of the public gallery at Court No 12 at Laganside. Court officials will be present in Omagh College throughout the trial and the rules pertaining to the trial in Belfast will be applied. No note taking, talking, eating food or drinking will be permitted. As well, the makeshift courtroom will only be for the use of people directly affected by the bomb.
STRINGENT
Mr Gallagher explained, "It is not as stringent as the court in Belfast but really the same rules apply. It is open to everybody that has been affected by what happened on August 15,1998.
"It is not only relatives of the deceased but for people who were injured and people who may have been psychologically affected by it. If there is anybody feels they were affected, and that is quite loose, the facility is there and I know they won't be denied the opportunity."
On Monday, the first day of the trial, relatives travelled together from Omagh in a mini-bus and were away from 8.30am until eight that night.
It has been so far so good for the live link to Omagh and financially and emotionally of great benefit to those who were affected by the atrocity.
RONAN McSHERRY
r. mcsherry@usterherald. com
AS the trial of Sean Hoey from Jonesborough, Armagh enters its fourth day, those affected by the Omagh bomb have expressed their satisfaction that the proceedings are being beamed live to the College in the town.
The innovation will save relatives and friends of the victims a round trip of 140 miles to Laganside Crown Court in Belfast. This comes as a great relief to those who were faced with the prospect of travelling up and down the motorway for the next three months.
Michael Gallagher, Chairman of the Omagh Self Help and Support Group, said, "It is first class. It is the first time in Ireland there has been a video link and Omagh is the first to lave it, so it is good. I intend to be ;here every day."
The link, between the court and Omagh College, was set up at the re-' quest of a relative's support group and will be available throughout the trial.
At the beginning of the trial, Mr Justice Weir read a statement regarding the one-way link-up. He made it clear that the conference room at the College would in effect be an extension of the public gallery at Court No 12 at Laganside. Court officials will be present in Omagh College throughout the trial and the rules pertaining to the trial in Belfast will be applied. No note taking, talking, eating food or drinking will be permitted. As well, the makeshift courtroom will only be for the use of people directly affected by the bomb.
STRINGENT
Mr Gallagher explained, "It is not as stringent as the court in Belfast but really the same rules apply. It is open to everybody that has been affected by what happened on August 15,1998.
"It is not only relatives of the deceased but for people who were injured and people who may have been psychologically affected by it. If there is anybody feels they were affected, and that is quite loose, the facility is there and I know they won't be denied the opportunity."
On Monday, the first day of the trial, relatives travelled together from Omagh in a mini-bus and were away from 8.30am until eight that night.
It has been so far so good for the live link to Omagh and financially and emotionally of great benefit to those who were affected by the atrocity.
Further Information
Publisher: ULSTER HERALD
Ref: UH/1869
Published Date: 28-Sep-06
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