Ombudsman requests meeting with Omagh trial judge

The Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland has asked to meet the Omagh trial judge to discuss his concerns about police conduct…

The Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland has asked to meet the Omagh trial judge to discuss his concerns about police conduct in the case.

Al Hutchinson made the request following Mr Justice Weir's scathing criticism last month of the police investigation into the worst single atrocity of the Troubles.

In releasing Seán Hoey, the south Armagh electrician charged on 58 counts relating to the bombing and other incidents in 1998, the judge singled out two officers for particular criticism.

Det Chief Insp Philip Marshall and Constable Fiona Cooper were accused by Mr Justice Weir of "deliberate and calculated" deception, adding that "others involved in the investigation and preparation of the case for trial" may have played a part in that deception.

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Earlier this month the PSNI chief constable confirmed the officers were still on duty despite the sending of files to the prosecution service. Sir Hugh Orde justified the retention on duty of the officers on the grounds that the policing ombudsman had not made any recommendation to do otherwise.

One of the officers, however, has since been "repositioned" within the PSNI, police said on Wednesday night. The move was made in response to a recommendation by Mr Hutchinson.

The second officer was not moved to other duties as it was considered the officer was already working within restrictions advised by the policing ombudsman.

In a statement police said: "The PSNI has reviewed the duties currently performed by two officers who were referred to in Mr Justice Weir's judgment of 20th December 2007.

"This was carried out after a recommendation earlier this month to the PSNI from the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland. In order to comply with the ombudsman's recommendation, one officer has been repositioned. The other officer's duties currently fall within the restrictions required by PONI and repositioning is not necessary."

Policing board members, meanwhile, are to consider how the board, which holds the PSNI to account, is to move forward on plans for an independent external review of the Omagh bombing investigations.

Board chairman, Prof Sir Desmond Rea said: "Members of the board met [ yesterday] to consider how to move forward on the agreements reached in respect of an independent external review.

"In their discussions, board members were very mindful of the views of all those who have suffered and continue to suffer as the result of the Omagh bombing atrocity; and agreed that before taking any further action in respect of agreeing terms of reference for the review, a meeting with the Omagh families should be arranged."