Two detective gardaí were yesterday charged with perjury relating to evidence they gave during the trial of a man accused of involvement in the Omagh bombing.
Garda Liam Donnelly and Garda John Fahy face two counts each of falsely swearing evidence during the trial of Colm Murphy, who was convicted in the Special Criminal Court in January 2002 of conspiring to cause an explosion.
The two detectives, who were part of the Carrickmacross-based team of officers who interviewed Murphy, were charged with committing the offences between October 18th and November 15th, 2001.
They appeared in Dublin District Court yesterday where Det Insp John McMahon said he met the men by appointment. After they were charged, both replied "Not guilty".
There was no objection to bail, the inspector said.
Ms Clare Galligan, of the chief prosecution solicitor's office, said the DPP had directed trial on indictment, which means a book of evidence will have to be prepared for a trial in the Circuit Court.
She sought a two-week remand for preparation of the book.
Judge John Coughlan granted bail to both men in their own bonds of €100 each and remanded them to appear again on January 21st.
A decision on an appeal by Colm Murphy against the 14-year jail sentence he received has been reserved by the Court of Criminal Appeal.