Convinced bomber wins US asylum

A Co Tyrone man who has a conviction for his involvement in two IRA bombing attacks on British army bases in 1975 was granted…

A Co Tyrone man who has a conviction for his involvement in two IRA bombing attacks on British army bases in 1975 was granted asylum in the US yesterday when a court rejected an application by the US immigration service to deport him.

A Federal Immigration judge agreed the offences committed by Mr Brian Pearson (45) were political and that he and his family had a legitimate fear of persecution if forced to return to the Republic or Northern Ireland.

The authorities have 30 days to appeal the decision.