Menu
10/08/2017
Relatives Of Omagh Bombing Victims To Sue PSNI Chief
Relatives of the 1998 Omagh bombing victims are to sue the Chief Constable of the PSNI over failings in the police investigation.
Next week marks the 19th anniversary since the Real IRA attack, which claimed the lives of 29 people.
Relatives of the those who died in the atrocity have issued a writ against George Hamilton seeking damages and a declaration that their human rights have been breached.
The writ focuses on what happened after the bomb detonated on 15 August 1998 and why no one has been successfully convicted in a criminal court.
The latest court action has been issued against Mr Hamilton because he has legal responsibility for the actions of both his service and its predecessor, the Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC).
The action is issued in Gallagher's name on behalf of bereaved families belonging to the Omagh Support and Self Help Group.
It cites the damning findings of official inquiries and court proceedings that identified multiple failures in how police investigated the bombing.
These include:
• A 2001 report by the police ombudsman at the time, Nuala O'Loan, found many evidential opportunities were missed and expressed concern that warnings of a likely attack passed to police by informants were not acted upon.
• When acquitting Sean Hoey, an electrician from South Armagh, of the Omagh murders in 2007, the trial judge, Mr Justice Weir, heavily criticised the way forensic evidence had been dealt with.
• A 2014 report by the current police ombudsman, Dr Michael Maguire, highlighted inexplicable delays in arresting known suspects in the days after the attack. He also found that key intelligence was not disseminated from RUC special branch to detectives on the ground.
• Fatal flaws in state evidence exposed when the prosecution of Seamus Daly, a bricklayer from South Armagh, for the Omagh murders was dropped before it reached trial last year.
(CD/LM)
Next week marks the 19th anniversary since the Real IRA attack, which claimed the lives of 29 people.
Relatives of the those who died in the atrocity have issued a writ against George Hamilton seeking damages and a declaration that their human rights have been breached.
The writ focuses on what happened after the bomb detonated on 15 August 1998 and why no one has been successfully convicted in a criminal court.
The latest court action has been issued against Mr Hamilton because he has legal responsibility for the actions of both his service and its predecessor, the Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC).
The action is issued in Gallagher's name on behalf of bereaved families belonging to the Omagh Support and Self Help Group.
It cites the damning findings of official inquiries and court proceedings that identified multiple failures in how police investigated the bombing.
These include:
• A 2001 report by the police ombudsman at the time, Nuala O'Loan, found many evidential opportunities were missed and expressed concern that warnings of a likely attack passed to police by informants were not acted upon.
• When acquitting Sean Hoey, an electrician from South Armagh, of the Omagh murders in 2007, the trial judge, Mr Justice Weir, heavily criticised the way forensic evidence had been dealt with.
• A 2014 report by the current police ombudsman, Dr Michael Maguire, highlighted inexplicable delays in arresting known suspects in the days after the attack. He also found that key intelligence was not disseminated from RUC special branch to detectives on the ground.
• Fatal flaws in state evidence exposed when the prosecution of Seamus Daly, a bricklayer from South Armagh, for the Omagh murders was dropped before it reached trial last year.
(CD/LM)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
08 October 2014
Police Cancel Appeal For Missing Omagh Man
Police have said they believe missing Omagh man, Shane Sharkey, has been found in the Republic of Ireland. A police appeal for help in finding the 35-year-old has been cancelled, with police saying they now believe they know where he is. No further details have been released but police thanked the public for their help.
Police Cancel Appeal For Missing Omagh Man
Police have said they believe missing Omagh man, Shane Sharkey, has been found in the Republic of Ireland. A police appeal for help in finding the 35-year-old has been cancelled, with police saying they now believe they know where he is. No further details have been released but police thanked the public for their help.
23 November 2005
Man being questioned over Omagh bombing
A man is still being questioned by detectives in connection with the 1998 Omagh bombing in which 29 people died. The 34-year-old was arrested in the south Down area on Tuesday. It is the latest arrest by police in connection with the bomb attack.
Man being questioned over Omagh bombing
A man is still being questioned by detectives in connection with the 1998 Omagh bombing in which 29 people died. The 34-year-old was arrested in the south Down area on Tuesday. It is the latest arrest by police in connection with the bomb attack.
15 August 2018
Onus On Political Leaders To Build Truly Reconciled Society - SF
Twenty years on from the Omagh bomb atrocity, there is an onus on all political leaders to help build a truly reconciled society, Sinn Féin Deputy Leader Michelle O'Neill has said.
Onus On Political Leaders To Build Truly Reconciled Society - SF
Twenty years on from the Omagh bomb atrocity, there is an onus on all political leaders to help build a truly reconciled society, Sinn Féin Deputy Leader Michelle O'Neill has said.
17 January 2013
Omagh Bomb Man Avoids Extradition
A man held liable for the Omagh bombing will not be extradited to Lithuania to face charges of weapons smuggling. A Belfast judge said Liam Campbell is likely to be held in inhuman and degrading conditions if extradited.
Omagh Bomb Man Avoids Extradition
A man held liable for the Omagh bombing will not be extradited to Lithuania to face charges of weapons smuggling. A Belfast judge said Liam Campbell is likely to be held in inhuman and degrading conditions if extradited.
25 February 2010
Omagh Bomb Suspect Acquitted
The only man jailed over the 1998 Omagh bombing was yesterday cleared following a retrial in Dublin. Colm Murphy, 57, from Co Louth, was imprisioned for 14 years in 2002 for conspiracy but won an appeal against his conviction in 2005 and was sent for a retrial in January this year at the non-jury Special Criminal Court in Dublin.
Omagh Bomb Suspect Acquitted
The only man jailed over the 1998 Omagh bombing was yesterday cleared following a retrial in Dublin. Colm Murphy, 57, from Co Louth, was imprisioned for 14 years in 2002 for conspiracy but won an appeal against his conviction in 2005 and was sent for a retrial in January this year at the non-jury Special Criminal Court in Dublin.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
