FLANAGAN TO TESTIFY IN CIVIL ACTION AGAINST POLICE OVER OMAGH BOMBING
Flanagan to testify in civil action against police over Omagh bombing
BY ANTON MCCABE
FORMER RUC chief Ronnie Flanagan is to be subpoenaed to give evidence against the North's Chief Constable and Secretary of State in a civil action being taken by Laurence Rush, widower of Omagh bomb victim Libbi Rush.
This civil action alleges failure to prevent and properly investigate the Omagh bomb on August 15, 1998. These failings allegedly happened during Flanagan's time as chief constable of the Royal Ulster Constabulary and, subsequently, the Police Service of Northern Ireland.
Mr Rush said his civil action could now progress after Sean Hoey was found not guilty of the bombing in a judgment that was highly critical of the police handling of the case.
"What is much more damaging regarding the Omagh investigation is the evidence that wasn't presented in the Hoey judgment," Mr Rush said. "The car that was left lying under a tarpaulin for four years so it rotted away and was of no value as evidence, is probably about the worst.
"The so-called investigation was not only flawed, as Mr Justice Weir said, but non-existent.
"My case has been on hold since Sean Hoey was charged four and a half years ago. The authorities have put every obstacle in my way.
"Hopefully it will go ahead this year. My wife and family require transparency, truth and justice, then we may have peace."
One of Britain's leading civil liberties lawyers, Michael Mansfield QC, will represent Mr Rush in his action, which is quite separate from a civil action being taken by some Omagh families against a number of alleged Real IRA figures.
Sir Ronnie Flanagan is currently Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Constabulary, supervising the work of police and other law enforcement bodies in England and Wales.
As such, he is one of the top policemen in these islands.
BY ANTON MCCABE
FORMER RUC chief Ronnie Flanagan is to be subpoenaed to give evidence against the North's Chief Constable and Secretary of State in a civil action being taken by Laurence Rush, widower of Omagh bomb victim Libbi Rush.
This civil action alleges failure to prevent and properly investigate the Omagh bomb on August 15, 1998. These failings allegedly happened during Flanagan's time as chief constable of the Royal Ulster Constabulary and, subsequently, the Police Service of Northern Ireland.
Mr Rush said his civil action could now progress after Sean Hoey was found not guilty of the bombing in a judgment that was highly critical of the police handling of the case.
"What is much more damaging regarding the Omagh investigation is the evidence that wasn't presented in the Hoey judgment," Mr Rush said. "The car that was left lying under a tarpaulin for four years so it rotted away and was of no value as evidence, is probably about the worst.
"The so-called investigation was not only flawed, as Mr Justice Weir said, but non-existent.
"My case has been on hold since Sean Hoey was charged four and a half years ago. The authorities have put every obstacle in my way.
"Hopefully it will go ahead this year. My wife and family require transparency, truth and justice, then we may have peace."
One of Britain's leading civil liberties lawyers, Michael Mansfield QC, will represent Mr Rush in his action, which is quite separate from a civil action being taken by some Omagh families against a number of alleged Real IRA figures.
Sir Ronnie Flanagan is currently Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Constabulary, supervising the work of police and other law enforcement bodies in England and Wales.
As such, he is one of the top policemen in these islands.
Further Information
Publisher: ULSTER HERALD
Ref: UH/1919
Published Date: 17-Jan-08
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