Duffy assured over 'prison bug'

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A man accused of murdering two soldiers is to receive assurances that his legal consultations in custody are not being bugged, the High Court has heard.

Lawyers for the Northern Ireland Prison Service confirmed Colin Duffy will be told no covert surveillance will be used against him.

Duffy, 41, is charged with killing Mark Quinsey and Patrick Azimkar outside an Army base in Antrim on March 7.

He has delayed a bail application over the matter.

Mr Duffy, from Lurgan, County Armagh, is also being held on five counts of attempted murder and possession of arms and ammunition in connection with the Real IRA shootings.

Duffy launched a judicial review case due to the uncertainty surrounding his consultations, and a two-judge panel headed by Lord Chief Justice Sir Brian Kerr were told that monitoring would be illegal.

The argument was based on a High Court ruling from November 2007 - and subsequently backed in the House of Lords - which held there was no system in place for the Prison Service to seek the necessary authorisation.

Following a meeting of relevant state authorities earlier this week, barrister Peter Coll, for the Prison Service, told the court on Friday: "The current situation is that the assurance will be given.

"The exact wording of the assurance is still a matter of consideration, not just involving the Prison Service, but other state agencies."

No details were disclosed on whether the assurance would cover only Duffy's consultations for the purpose of applying for bail.

Sir Brian agreed to adjourn the case after being told confirmation could be given by next week.