Legal challenge halts IRA kidnapping trial

The Special Criminal Court today adjourned the trial of Maze prison escaper Brendan 'Bik' McFarlane on charges connected with the 1983 kidnap of supermarket boss Don Tidey after hearing that he is taking a fresh legal challenge to halt the trial.

Mc Farlane's counsel Mr Peter Maguire BL told the court that judicial review proceedings in the case were due to be heard in the High Court on November 29 and he asked for the trial to be adjourned until next January.