Police ponder Omagh trial fallout

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Police and prosecutors are studying the implications of the Omagh bomb trial after a man was cleared of all charges.

The judge criticised police evidence and questioned the scientific technique central to the prosecution case.

Northern Ireland Policing Board chairman Sir Desmond Rea has requested a meeting with chief constable Sir Hugh Orde in the wake of the verdict.

Sean Hoey, 38, of Jonesborough, south Armagh, was cleared of the murders of 29 people in the 1998 Real IRA attack.

'Terrible atrocity'

The judge, Mr Justice Weir, had especially strong words for two police officers who lied about wearing protective clothing when searching the scene of a crime.

He said officers working on the case were guilty of a "deliberate and calculated deception".

Following the case, Sir Desmond said: "The Omagh bombing was a terrible atrocity and has had a devastating impact for all those families who lost loved ones and who were injured in the attack. Their suffering continues.

"Copies of the judgment and verdict were being sent to all board members.

"Having carefully studied the judgment, the board will discuss Mr Justice Weir's findings and the issues arising from the case with the chief constable at the earliest opportunity."

Bomb timers

The outcome of the case is expected to have large implications for future trials beyond Northern Ireland.

The prosecution claimed that forensic examination of the bomb timers used in the attacks showed links to Mr Hoey.

The prosecution relied on a technique called Low Copy Number (LCN) DNA which some scientist believe can provide evidence from microscopic traces such as an individual fibre.

Mr Justice Weir made it clear that he regarded the technique as unproven and said work needed to be done to validate it.

Careful analysis

The police said they would study the judgement in detail and work to ensure that any organisational or procedural shortcomings were addressed.

The Public Prosecution Service said the decision to proceed was made following a careful analysis of the available evidence.

The verdict was delivered after a trial which lasted a total of 56 days over a period of 10 months, and was one of the biggest murder trials in UK legal history.

Electrician Mr Hoey is the only person to have been charged with what was one of the worst atrocities of Northern Ireland's Troubles.