Orde to face questions over Omagh bomb acquittal

PSNI chief constable Hugh Orde is set to face questions about the recent Omagh bomb trial when he appears before the Policing Board today.

The police were severely criticised by the judge who acquitted Sean Hoey of involvement in the 1998 bombing.

He said the police comprehensively failed to properly record and store forensic evidence and also accused two officers in particular of lying to the court.

Mr Orde is likely to tell today's Policing Board meeting that the mistakes were made before he took over the helm.

However, the board is expected to seek assurances that the mistakes that led to the acquittal can never be repeated.