THE case of a Belfast man charged with the murder of INLA chief of staff Gino Gallagher has been taken out of the Crown Court list pending a hearing by the House of Lords.
The trial of Mr Charles Begley (26), of Dunville Street in the Falls area, had been due to start at Crumlin Road courthouse next week. But yesterday Mr Justice Pringle was told Mr Begley's solicitors are asking the Lords for a ruling on the fact that he did not have legal representation during questioning about the killing of Gallagher.
Mr Begley was subsequently charged with involvement in the murder. The Divisional Court turned down an application for leave to apply to the House of Lords, but a direct application to the Lords by Mr Begley's legal team was successful.
His defence counsel, Mr Arthur Harvey, QC, said the Lords decision could have serious implication on the criminal case.