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Families view Omagh case by video | Families view Omagh case by video |
(10 minutes later) | |
The families of Omagh bomb victims will be able to follow the trial on a video link between Belfast Crown Court and Omagh College, it has emerged. | The families of Omagh bomb victims will be able to follow the trial on a video link between Belfast Crown Court and Omagh College, it has emerged. |
The trial of Sean Gerard Hoey, 37, of Molly Road, Jonesborough, Armagh, is due to resume on Monday after being adjourned earlier this month. | The trial of Sean Gerard Hoey, 37, of Molly Road, Jonesborough, Armagh, is due to resume on Monday after being adjourned earlier this month. |
He denies involvement in the bombing in August 1998 in which 29 people died including a woman pregnant with twins. | He denies involvement in the bombing in August 1998 in which 29 people died including a woman pregnant with twins. |
The video link was set up at the request of a relatives' support group. | The video link was set up at the request of a relatives' support group. |
It will operate between Laganside Courts in Belfast and Omagh College and will be available for the duration of the trial. | It will operate between Laganside Courts in Belfast and Omagh College and will be available for the duration of the trial. |
Disappointment | |
Michael Gallagher, chairman of the Omagh Victims' Group, welcomed the move. | |
He said: "It is the first time every in Northern Ireland that there has been a video link. | |
"We think it is important that the families who are directly affected can go into Omagh and they don't need to travel a round trip of 150 miles. | |
"So it's relieving them of a terrible burden of having to be away from seven o'clock in the morning and probably not home till seven o'clock at night." | |
Relatives had expressed disappointment when the trial was adjourned minutes after opening on 6 September. | |
The case was stopped after a defence lawyer said he was unwell. | The case was stopped after a defence lawyer said he was unwell. |
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 only person to be charged with murder in connection with the bombing, the accused has been in custody for about three years. | The only person to be charged with murder in connection with the bombing, the accused has been in custody for about three years. |
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