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Omagh bomb suspect goes on trial | Omagh bomb suspect goes on trial |
(about 1 hour later) | |
A man accused of the murders of 29 people in the Omagh bombing is due to go on trial in Northern Ireland. | |
The Omagh car bombing on 15 August 1998 was the worst single terrorist atrocity in NI. Twenty nine people were killed, including a woman pregnant with twins. | |
Sean Gerard Hoey, 36, an electrician of Molly Road, Jonesborough, Armagh, has denied all charges. | Sean Gerard Hoey, 36, an electrician of Molly Road, Jonesborough, Armagh, has denied all charges. |
He faces 58 charges including five other bombings, four bomb conspiracies, and six murder conspiracies. | He faces 58 charges including five other bombings, four bomb conspiracies, and six murder conspiracies. |
The trial before Mr Justice Weir in Belfast is expected to be one of the last major non-jury trials in Northern Ireland. | The trial before Mr Justice Weir in Belfast is expected to be one of the last major non-jury trials in Northern Ireland. |
It is expected to last for about 14 weeks. | It is expected to last for about 14 weeks. |
Victims' families have requested the provision of a videolink system in Omagh during the court proceedings. | Victims' families have requested the provision of a videolink system in Omagh during the court proceedings. |
The Court Service said the judge had asked the court administration to look into what facilities might be provided. | The Court Service said the judge had asked the court administration to look into what facilities might be provided. |
"It was accepted that these could not be put in place by Wednesday," it said in a statement. | "It was accepted that these could not be put in place by Wednesday," it said in a statement. |
"Options are currently being investigated by Northern Ireland Court Service officials." | "Options are currently being investigated by Northern Ireland Court Service officials." |
It is understood many of the relatives are travelling to Belfast for the opening day of the trial on Wednesday. | It is understood many of the relatives are travelling to Belfast for the opening day of the trial on Wednesday. |
The accused has been in custody for about three years. | The accused has been in custody for about three years. |