Omagh evidence to be re-examined

A team of independent experts is to re-examine evidence from the Omagh bombing in an attempt to bring those responsible to justice…

A team of independent experts is to re-examine evidence from the Omagh bombing in an attempt to bring those responsible to justice.

The Northern Ireland Policing Board has decided to set up an independent external overview of past investigations into the 1998 atrocity, in which 29 people and unborn twins were killed.

Policing Board member Jeffrey Donaldson said the independent overview would look afresh at the Omagh case. "The objective is to refocus on the evidence and bring the focus back again on the need to secure a prosecution."

Chief Constable Hugh Orde yesterday defended the decision to take the case to trial
Chief Constable Hugh Orde yesterday defended the decision to take the case to trial

The board voted unanimously to appoint the overview team after a five-hour meeting in Belfast.

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Chief Constable Hugh Orde also appeared before board members to face questions about the PSNI investigation into the bombing.

Two police officers accused of misleading the court during the trial of Sean Hoey could now face criminal charges. Mr Hoey was last month acquitted of the bombing

The Police Ombudsman's Office said it has passed files on the two officers to the Public Prosecution Service. Sir Hugh stood by his decision not to suspend two serving police officers accused of lying when giving evidence at the trial.

In his judgment, Mr Justice Weir accused the officers of "a deliberate and calculated attempt" to mislead the court by "beefing up" their evidence.

In his damning judgment after dismissing 58 charges against Mr Hoey (38), trial judged Mr Justice Weir highlighted serious errors by both the police and forensic services.

Policing Board chair Sir Des Rea said the independent panel would also examine whether these failings had been addressed within the PSNI.

At the meeting, Sir Hugh defended the decision to take the case to trial and said the officers who been tasked to reinvestigate the Omagh case had done their best with evidence that had already been contaminated.

PA