15/10/2008
Legal Victory For Lockerbie Bomber
The man convicted of the Lockerbie bombing has won a legal victory in the latest round of his bid to have his conviction overturned.
Abdelbaset al-Megrahi was convicted for the 1988 bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland, which killed 270 people.
Judges today ruled that the 56-year-old Libyan's appeal could have a wide-ranging focus, looking beyond issues raised by the Scottish Criminal Cases Review Commission (SCCRC) when it suggested a miscarriage of justice may have occurred. In a 790-page report the SCCRC highlighted five reasons for its referral.
The Crown opposed the move, saying it would be "absurd" and incompetent for al-Megrahi to be granted a hearing with such broad focus. However, the three judges at the Court of Criminal Appeal in Edinburgh rejected these arguments.
Lord Hamilton, sitting with Lords Kingarth and Eassie, said: "The appellant [Megrahi] is entitled to have his stated grounds of appeal decided on their respective merits."
The former Libyan intelligences officer's lawyer welcomed the news, calling it an "important victory" for his client.
Al-Megrahi is currently serving a minimum of 27 years in prison after being convicted of the bombing.
A date for the hearing has not yet been set.
(JM)
Abdelbaset al-Megrahi was convicted for the 1988 bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland, which killed 270 people.
Judges today ruled that the 56-year-old Libyan's appeal could have a wide-ranging focus, looking beyond issues raised by the Scottish Criminal Cases Review Commission (SCCRC) when it suggested a miscarriage of justice may have occurred. In a 790-page report the SCCRC highlighted five reasons for its referral.
The Crown opposed the move, saying it would be "absurd" and incompetent for al-Megrahi to be granted a hearing with such broad focus. However, the three judges at the Court of Criminal Appeal in Edinburgh rejected these arguments.
Lord Hamilton, sitting with Lords Kingarth and Eassie, said: "The appellant [Megrahi] is entitled to have his stated grounds of appeal decided on their respective merits."
The former Libyan intelligences officer's lawyer welcomed the news, calling it an "important victory" for his client.
Al-Megrahi is currently serving a minimum of 27 years in prison after being convicted of the bombing.
A date for the hearing has not yet been set.
(JM)
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20 August 2009
Lockerbie Bomber Released
Despite widespread opposition, the Lockerbie bomber has this afternoon left Scotland on board a plane bound for Libya. Abdelbaset Ali al-Megrahi, 57, was freed from prison on compassionate grounds after being jailed in 2001 for the atrocity which claimed 270 lives in 1988.
Lockerbie Bomber Released
Despite widespread opposition, the Lockerbie bomber has this afternoon left Scotland on board a plane bound for Libya. Abdelbaset Ali al-Megrahi, 57, was freed from prison on compassionate grounds after being jailed in 2001 for the atrocity which claimed 270 lives in 1988.
20 July 2010
PM Meets Senators Over Lockerbie Release
Prime Minister David Cameron has agreed to meet with four US senators to discuss concerns over the release of the Lockerbie bomber. The announcement comes amid allegations that oil company BP had lobbied the previous Labour government for the release of Abdelbaset Ali al-Megrahi.
PM Meets Senators Over Lockerbie Release
Prime Minister David Cameron has agreed to meet with four US senators to discuss concerns over the release of the Lockerbie bomber. The announcement comes amid allegations that oil company BP had lobbied the previous Labour government for the release of Abdelbaset Ali al-Megrahi.
12 November 2014
Sheffield United Urged To Reconsider Evans Decision
Sheffield United have been urged to reconsider its decision to allow convicted rapist Ched Evans to train with the club. Sheffield Central MP Paul Bloomfield said if the club proceeded it would send "a disturbing message to young people and victims of sexual violence".
Sheffield United Urged To Reconsider Evans Decision
Sheffield United have been urged to reconsider its decision to allow convicted rapist Ched Evans to train with the club. Sheffield Central MP Paul Bloomfield said if the club proceeded it would send "a disturbing message to young people and victims of sexual violence".
26 September 2007
CPS Receives File On Genette Tate Case
A file on the murder of Devon teenager Genette Tate in 1978 has been handed to the Crown Prosecution Service, Devon and Cornwall Police have confirmed. Devon and Cornwall Police said that the file had been submitted following an interview with a man in 2005.
CPS Receives File On Genette Tate Case
A file on the murder of Devon teenager Genette Tate in 1978 has been handed to the Crown Prosecution Service, Devon and Cornwall Police have confirmed. Devon and Cornwall Police said that the file had been submitted following an interview with a man in 2005.
24 November 2003
Lockerbie bomber to serve at least 27 years
Abdelbaset ali Mohmet al Megrahi, the Libyan secret service agent who was found guilty of the bombing of Pan Am flight 103 above Lockerbie in 1988, has been told that he must serve at least 27 years in prison.
Lockerbie bomber to serve at least 27 years
Abdelbaset ali Mohmet al Megrahi, the Libyan secret service agent who was found guilty of the bombing of Pan Am flight 103 above Lockerbie in 1988, has been told that he must serve at least 27 years in prison.
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