14/11/2008
Lockerbie Bomber Loses Bail Bid
The man convicted of the Lockerbie bomb has lost his bid to be freed on bail.
Abdelbaset Ali al-Megrahi, 56, a former Libyan intelligence agent, is serving a life sentence, with a minimum term of 27 years for the death of 270 people in the 1988 atrocity.
He was convicted of killing 270 people when Pan-Am Flight 103 was blown up over Lockerbie, Scotland.
Megrahi, who has advanced prostate cancer, was appealing against his conviction for the murder.
In 2001, the 56-year-old was convicted of the bombing. He subsequently lost a 2002 appeal, but was given a fresh chance to clear his name in June 2007, when the Scottish Criminal Cases Review Commission (SCCRC) ruled another one should take place.
Megrahi's lawyers argued he did not have long to live, and should be released. However, Lawyer's for the Crown - Scotland's prosecuting body contested his release - said his prognosis is "uncertain" and he would have the same medical treatment in jail as he would do outside.
Dr Jim Swire's daughter Flora was killed in the bombing. Before the decision, he said: "A decision by the judges to grant interim release will require compassion and courage.
"Courage, because there will be adverse comment from some of those whose grieving process is based on the certainty of Megrahi's guilt."
Megrahi's appeal against his conviction, is to be heard next year.
(JM)
Abdelbaset Ali al-Megrahi, 56, a former Libyan intelligence agent, is serving a life sentence, with a minimum term of 27 years for the death of 270 people in the 1988 atrocity.
He was convicted of killing 270 people when Pan-Am Flight 103 was blown up over Lockerbie, Scotland.
Megrahi, who has advanced prostate cancer, was appealing against his conviction for the murder.
In 2001, the 56-year-old was convicted of the bombing. He subsequently lost a 2002 appeal, but was given a fresh chance to clear his name in June 2007, when the Scottish Criminal Cases Review Commission (SCCRC) ruled another one should take place.
Megrahi's lawyers argued he did not have long to live, and should be released. However, Lawyer's for the Crown - Scotland's prosecuting body contested his release - said his prognosis is "uncertain" and he would have the same medical treatment in jail as he would do outside.
Dr Jim Swire's daughter Flora was killed in the bombing. Before the decision, he said: "A decision by the judges to grant interim release will require compassion and courage.
"Courage, because there will be adverse comment from some of those whose grieving process is based on the certainty of Megrahi's guilt."
Megrahi's appeal against his conviction, is to be heard next year.
(JM)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
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.
02 September 2009
Miliband Clarifies Latest Megrahi Claims
The Westminster government did not want Lockerbie bomber Abdelbaset Ali al-Megrahi to "die in prison", the Foreign Secretary has confirmed. Despite admitting both he and the Prime Minister Gordon Brown did not want to see the Libyan national to die in Scotland, David Miliband dismissed suggestions any "double-dealing" took place.
Miliband Clarifies Latest Megrahi Claims
The Westminster government did not want Lockerbie bomber Abdelbaset Ali al-Megrahi to "die in prison", the Foreign Secretary has confirmed. Despite admitting both he and the Prime Minister Gordon Brown did not want to see the Libyan national to die in Scotland, David Miliband dismissed suggestions any "double-dealing" took place.
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.
31 May 2004
Lockerbie bomber to appeal sentence
The man convicted of being behind the Lockerbie bombing, Abdelbaset Ali Mohmed Al Megrahi, is challenging a court ruling which stated that he must spend at least 27 years in prison.
Lockerbie bomber to appeal sentence
The man convicted of being behind the Lockerbie bombing, Abdelbaset Ali Mohmed Al Megrahi, is challenging a court ruling which stated that he must spend at least 27 years in prison.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.