State influenced Omagh bomb action, court told
Justice was “distorted” in the Omagh bomb civil action by the British Government providing unfair and exceptional support to victims’ families, the Court of Appeal has heard.
Counsel for one of four dissident republicans held liable for the atrocity claimed the state interfered with the rule of law to ensure the case did not fail.
Mary Higgins QC, representing Seamus Daly, argued those taking the lawsuit received preferential treatment, with changes made to the law and thousands of pounds in legal aid funding.
A landmark ruling in June 2009 found the Real IRA‘s Army Council liable for directing the attack.
But Mrs Higgins argued yesterday: “The system of justice was distorted by exceptions being made to facilitate plaintiffs in pursuing their case because it was important for the Government their case didn’t collapse.”
She referred to claims by the then Lord Chancellor, Lord Falconer, that it was not in the interests of justice for the case to be halted.
The three-judge appeal panel, heard claims that preferential legal aid terms were offered to the relatives.
The appeal continues.
