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20/12/2007
Omagh Bomb Trial Returns Not Guilty Verdict
A not guilty verdict was returned in the trial of a man accused of killing 29 people in the Omagh bombing.
Sean Hoey, 38, from Jonesborough, Co Armagh was cleared on a total of 56 charges relating to the 1998 bombing.
The attack, which devastated the Co Tyrone town, was carried out by the Real IRA.
The trial at Belfast Crown Court which lasted for 56 days ended in January. Mr Justice Weir delivered his verdict before relatives of those killed in the August 1998 bomb.
Family members were able to follow developments during the trial from Omagh by watching a special satellite video link with the Belfast court.
The prosecution case brought against Mr Hoey hinged on DNA evidence, specifically a type called low copy DNA.
However, the technique was strongly challenged by Hoey's defence team and during the hearing experts differed on how reliable they believed it to be.
They also challenged the integrity of some of the police and forensic witnesses while Mr Hoey himself did not go into the witness box.
Following a highly critical report by the Police Ombudsman, police launched a fresh inquiry in 2002 into the atrocity.
(BMcC)
Sean Hoey, 38, from Jonesborough, Co Armagh was cleared on a total of 56 charges relating to the 1998 bombing.
The attack, which devastated the Co Tyrone town, was carried out by the Real IRA.
The trial at Belfast Crown Court which lasted for 56 days ended in January. Mr Justice Weir delivered his verdict before relatives of those killed in the August 1998 bomb.
Family members were able to follow developments during the trial from Omagh by watching a special satellite video link with the Belfast court.
The prosecution case brought against Mr Hoey hinged on DNA evidence, specifically a type called low copy DNA.
However, the technique was strongly challenged by Hoey's defence team and during the hearing experts differed on how reliable they believed it to be.
They also challenged the integrity of some of the police and forensic witnesses while Mr Hoey himself did not go into the witness box.
Following a highly critical report by the Police Ombudsman, police launched a fresh inquiry in 2002 into the atrocity.
(BMcC)
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Omagh bomb accused trial resumes
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Omagh bomb accused trial resumes
The trial of the man accused of carrying out the 1998 Omagh bombing has resumed today in Belfast. The trial of Sean Gerard Hoey, a 37-year-old electrician from Jonesborough in County Armagh, began this morning after being adjourned earlier this month when the defence lawyer Orlando Pownall QC, said that he was too ill to commence with proceedings.
21 September 2006
Video-link set up for trial of Omagh bomber
The families of the Omagh bomb victims will be able to follow the events of the trial of the man accused of carrying out the atrocity, by a special video-link facility which is to be set up in between Belfast Court and Omagh College.
Video-link set up for trial of Omagh bomber
The families of the Omagh bomb victims will be able to follow the events of the trial of the man accused of carrying out the atrocity, by a special video-link facility which is to be set up in between Belfast Court and Omagh College.
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Solicitor criticises DPP following Omagh bomb arrest
The solicitor acting for the man who is expected to be charged in connection with the 1998 Omagh bombing has criticised the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). Peter Corrigan said it was “unacceptable” he had not been informed that the DPP had directed police to bring charges against his 35-year-old client, Sean Gerard Hoey.
Solicitor criticises DPP following Omagh bomb arrest
The solicitor acting for the man who is expected to be charged in connection with the 1998 Omagh bombing has criticised the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). Peter Corrigan said it was “unacceptable” he had not been informed that the DPP had directed police to bring charges against his 35-year-old client, Sean Gerard Hoey.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:The day will be very windy with strong to gale force westerly winds becoming occasionally severe along the north coast. Sunny spells will be interspersed with scattered showers. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:West to northwest gale force winds, severe along the north coast, will continue overnight. Frequent showers persist, merging into longer periods of rain at times and turning wintry. Minimum temperature 1 °C.
