A medical examination of the key witness in the case against a man charged in connection with the murder of prominent human rights solicitor Mr Pat Finucane is likely to determine whether the trial will go ahead.
Former journalist Mr Neil Mulholland has indicated that on health grounds he will withdraw his evidence which is crucial to the prosecution of the self-confessed former leading loyalist and Special Branch informer, Mr William Stobie. If Mr Mulholland withdraws, the case could collapse and the charges be dropped.
Yesterday, Mr Gordon Kerr QC, prosecuting, successfully applied for an adjournment until May 18th to allow the prosecution time to receive and consider medical reports on Mr Mulholland. It is understood that Mr Mulholland has intimated to the DPP that he no longer wishes to give evidence, citing physical and mental problems as his reason.
Mr Kerr told Belfast Crown Court judge, Lord Justice McCollum, that a necessary medical witness was currently outside the jurisdiction. He said the DPP required the adjournment in order to obtain medical reports on Mr Mulholland and to consider those reports before deciding what course to take.
Mr Stobie was remanded on continuing bail until May 18th.