11/06/2009
PSNI 'Consider Omagh Retrial'
The PSNI are examining the possibility of a retrial of a South Armagh man originally cleared of involvement in the Omagh bombing.
South Armagh man Sean Hoey was cleared of murdering of 29 people in Omagh, at the end of his trial in December 2007, which failed to secure any convictions against those charged with the devastating attack.
At a meeting of Northern Ireland Policing Board on Thursday, an investigation by the Police Ombudsman concluded there was no evidence to support the claim officers had lied and questioned the defence team's claim the evidence from Altmore Forest had been wrongly handled, which had been crucial aspects of the original trial's failure.
Assistant Chief Constable Drew Harris told the board on Thursday that police have been "reviewing the entire case."
Chief Constable Harris said: "After the ombudsman reports of February this year we have revisited all of the evidence again, not only in respect of the Omagh bombing but other bombing attacks around that time involving the Real IRA.
"Working through that what we are looking for is new evidential opportunities, realistically we have to find substantial new evidence if there is any possibility of a criminal prosecution."
When the review is completed, it will be up to the Public Prosecution Service to decide if there is enough evidence to merit a new trial.
The news comes as four of the five men being sued by the families of the Omagh bomb victims were found liable for the atrocity carried out by the Real IRA in 1998.
(DW/JM)
South Armagh man Sean Hoey was cleared of murdering of 29 people in Omagh, at the end of his trial in December 2007, which failed to secure any convictions against those charged with the devastating attack.
At a meeting of Northern Ireland Policing Board on Thursday, an investigation by the Police Ombudsman concluded there was no evidence to support the claim officers had lied and questioned the defence team's claim the evidence from Altmore Forest had been wrongly handled, which had been crucial aspects of the original trial's failure.
Assistant Chief Constable Drew Harris told the board on Thursday that police have been "reviewing the entire case."
Chief Constable Harris said: "After the ombudsman reports of February this year we have revisited all of the evidence again, not only in respect of the Omagh bombing but other bombing attacks around that time involving the Real IRA.
"Working through that what we are looking for is new evidential opportunities, realistically we have to find substantial new evidence if there is any possibility of a criminal prosecution."
When the review is completed, it will be up to the Public Prosecution Service to decide if there is enough evidence to merit a new trial.
The news comes as four of the five men being sued by the families of the Omagh bomb victims were found liable for the atrocity carried out by the Real IRA in 1998.
(DW/JM)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
10 August 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 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.
12 February 2008
Evidence To Be Reviewed As Attracta's Killer Appeals
While lawyers for the killer of a Strabane woman have told a court that DNA evidence used to link him to his victim is now "questionable", the victim's husband has said he is outraged and disgusted that there is now to be a review of the evidence in the case.
Evidence To Be Reviewed As Attracta's Killer Appeals
While lawyers for the killer of a Strabane woman have told a court that DNA evidence used to link him to his victim is now "questionable", the victim's husband has said he is outraged and disgusted that there is now to be a review of the evidence in the case.
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.