Omagh bomb trial reopens

The Omagh bomb trial reopens today, when the defence team for Sean Hoey, the alleged Real IRA dissident republican, begins its case.

The south Armagh electrician (aged 37) is facing 56 charges, including for the 1998 Omagh bomb, which killed 29 people.

Prosecutors have used voice analysis and DNA profiling in an attempt to link the suspect to a string of bombings. They ended their case before Christmas.

Belfast Crown Court judge Mr Justice Weir has dismissed two charges, but rejected a defence application to throw the entire case out of court.

Experts have already discredited the DNA forensic technique used to link Hoey to a number of incidents.

The Omagh car bomb exploded on August 15 and left bodies scattered around the town’s main shopping street. It caused the single greatest loss of life of the Northern conflict.

Hoey, from Molly Road, Jonesborough, denies all the charges. His team is expected to take 50 days to complete its case.