21/09/2006
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.
The Northern Ireland Court Service has confirmed that a closed circuit system is to be set up to televise the trial of 37-year-old electrician Sean Hoey, of Jonesborough, County Armagh, when it resumes on Monday, after being adjourned earlier this month after the defence lawyer fell ill.
Hoey denies the charges, which consist of 58 terrorist-related charges, including the murders of 29 people including unborn twins, in the Omagh bombing in August 1998.
This is the first time a video-link system has been set up to visualise a trial in Northern Ireland and the gesture has been welcomed by the families of the victims who will now not have to make the four-hour daily round trip between Omagh and Belfast.
Michael Gallagher, chairman of the Omagh Victims' Group, welcomed the move and added that it is relieving the families of a terrible burden of having to be away from seven o'clock in the morning and probably not home till seven o'clock at night."
Sean Hoey is the only person ever to be charged in connection with the bombing.
(EF/KMcA)
The Northern Ireland Court Service has confirmed that a closed circuit system is to be set up to televise the trial of 37-year-old electrician Sean Hoey, of Jonesborough, County Armagh, when it resumes on Monday, after being adjourned earlier this month after the defence lawyer fell ill.
Hoey denies the charges, which consist of 58 terrorist-related charges, including the murders of 29 people including unborn twins, in the Omagh bombing in August 1998.
This is the first time a video-link system has been set up to visualise a trial in Northern Ireland and the gesture has been welcomed by the families of the victims who will now not have to make the four-hour daily round trip between Omagh and Belfast.
Michael Gallagher, chairman of the Omagh Victims' Group, welcomed the move and added that it is relieving the families of a terrible burden of having to be away from seven o'clock in the morning and probably not home till seven o'clock at night."
Sean Hoey is the only person ever to be charged in connection with the bombing.
(EF/KMcA)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
09 February 2024
PPS To Prosecute Former Soldier For Murder Of Patrick McVeigh In 1972
The Public Prosecution Service (PPS) has issued a decision to seek prosecutions against four former Military Reaction Force (MRF) soldiers in connection with six incidents over 50 years ago.
PPS To Prosecute Former Soldier For Murder Of Patrick McVeigh In 1972
The Public Prosecution Service (PPS) has issued a decision to seek prosecutions against four former Military Reaction Force (MRF) soldiers in connection with six incidents over 50 years ago.
21 March 2024
Down Royal Announces Fibrus As New Headline Sponsor
Racegoers of all ages across Northern Ireland are being encouraged to attend Down Royal's brand-new Fibrus Family Race Day taking place on Sunday 14th April 2024. This partnership will see Fibrus secure title naming rights to this year's new race meeting bringing the total number of fixtures at Down Royal in 2024 to fourteen.
Down Royal Announces Fibrus As New Headline Sponsor
Racegoers of all ages across Northern Ireland are being encouraged to attend Down Royal's brand-new Fibrus Family Race Day taking place on Sunday 14th April 2024. This partnership will see Fibrus secure title naming rights to this year's new race meeting bringing the total number of fixtures at Down Royal in 2024 to fourteen.
16 February 2024
Ministers Highlight Importance Of Accessible Childcare
The First and Deputy First Ministers have visited the Ashton Community Trust and Shankill Women's Centre to highlight the importance of good quality and accessible childcare.
Ministers Highlight Importance Of Accessible Childcare
The First and Deputy First Ministers have visited the Ashton Community Trust and Shankill Women's Centre to highlight the importance of good quality and accessible childcare.
15 February 2024
SF Slams Attempts To 'Run Down The Clock' On Legacy Act
Sinn Féin has said that attempts to "run down the clock" until the controversial Legacy Act is enacted are "cynical and cruel". North Belfast MP, John Finucane, said: "I welcome and agree with the assessment of former Police Ombudsman Nuala O'Loan that state bodies are attempting to 'run down the clock' until the Legacy Act is enacted.
SF Slams Attempts To 'Run Down The Clock' On Legacy Act
Sinn Féin has said that attempts to "run down the clock" until the controversial Legacy Act is enacted are "cynical and cruel". North Belfast MP, John Finucane, said: "I welcome and agree with the assessment of former Police Ombudsman Nuala O'Loan that state bodies are attempting to 'run down the clock' until the Legacy Act is enacted.
27 March 2024
Health Minister To Seek Deferral Of All Hospital Parking Charges
Health Minister, Robin Swann, has announced that he will seek a deferral to legislation to remove all hospital parking charges from 12 May, 2024. Minister Swann said that he will ask the Assembly to defer the measure for a two year period.
Health Minister To Seek Deferral Of All Hospital Parking Charges
Health Minister, Robin Swann, has announced that he will seek a deferral to legislation to remove all hospital parking charges from 12 May, 2024. Minister Swann said that he will ask the Assembly to defer the measure for a two year period.