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Omagh bombing trial is adjourned | Omagh bombing trial is adjourned |
(10 minutes later) | |
The trial of a man accused of the murders of 29 people in the Omagh bombing has been adjourned. | The trial of a man accused of the murders of 29 people in the Omagh bombing has been adjourned. |
The Omagh car bombing on 15 August 1998 was the worst single terrorist atrocity in Northern Ireland. A woman pregnant with twins was among those killed. | The Omagh car bombing on 15 August 1998 was the worst single terrorist atrocity in Northern Ireland. A woman pregnant with twins was among those killed. |
Sean Gerard Hoey, 37, an electrician of Molly Road, Jonesborough, Armagh, has denied all charges. | Sean Gerard Hoey, 37, an electrician of Molly Road, Jonesborough, Armagh, has denied all charges. |
The case, which has been adjourned until 18 September, was stopped after a defence lawyer said he was unwell. | |
Defence barrister Orlando Pownall QC told trial judge Mr Justice Weir: "I am unwell. I appear before you against medical advice." | Defence barrister Orlando Pownall QC told trial judge Mr Justice Weir: "I am unwell. I appear before you against medical advice." |
Families and friends of some of the victims, had travelled from Omagh by bus, for the first day of the case. | Families and friends of some of the victims, had travelled from Omagh by bus, for the first day of the case. |
Mr Hoey faces 58 charges including five other bombings, four bomb conspiracies, and six murder conspiracies. | Mr Hoey 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." |
The accused has been in custody for about three years. | The accused has been in custody for about three years. |
He is the only person to be charged with murder in connection with the bombing. | He is the only person to be charged with murder in connection with the bombing. |