Omagh probe gardaí will not testify in civil action

GARDAÍ who investigated the 1998 Real IRA bombing in Omagh will not testify in a civil action by relatives of those who died.

Senior Garda officers have been advised the evidence could jeopardise the criminal investigation into the attack on the Co Tyrone market town in which 29 people died and more than 200 were injured.

Legal action by those who have suffered as a result of the bombing is being taken against five individuals they have linked to the atrocity who have not been charged.

Campaigner Richard Barker, whose 12-year-old son James died, said he was disappointed.

“There are so many setbacks in this case, it is setback upon setback.

“While I am pretty concerned that any civil case might prejudice the criminal case, we are through 10 years and we have not had a criminal case,” he said.

The action was due to begin in April but is on hold awaiting a decision on Sean Hoey, an electrician from Co Armagh, who stood trial for the attack last year.

Those being sued by relatives include Real IRA founder Michael McKevitt, Colm Murphy, Seamus McKenna and Liam Campbell, all from Co Louth, and Seamus Daly from Cullaville in Co Monaghan.

Mr Barker added: “From what I can gather, the Garda are saying that, because the case is still under investigation and there’s still the possibility of further criminal proceedings, they can’t have the Garda officers involved in the civil case if it might prejudice the criminal proceedings.”

Mr Barker’s son was on a day trip with other school children from Co Donegal when the car bomb exploded on August 15, 1998.

Unborn twins also died in the greatest single loss of life during the Troubles.

Bodies were strewn across the town’s main street and a massive manhunt was launched north and south of the Border, but only Mr Hoey, from Jonesborough, has been charged.

The trial judge is due to return his verdict in Belfast later this year.