Man aquitted of attempted murder

A County Tyrone man has been found not guilty of the attempted murder of two police officers and a woman at a polling station two years ago.

Lord Justice Nicholson said he could not be "satisfied beyond a reasonable doubt" that Thomas Noel Abernethy, 34, from Glebe Mews in Dungannon shot and wounded two police officers and a woman.

The incident was said to have taken place at St Mary's Primary School in Draperstown during the general election of 7 June 2001.

The judge told Belfast Crown Court on Monday that if he had convicted Mr Abernethy of the "brutal, cold-blooded and ruthless attack" he would have been sentenced to at least 30 years in prison.

The judge also said he did "not intend to let rest" allegations that for years senior police officers had tried to interfere with the workings of the independent Forensic Science Agency.

Firearms residue

During the two-week hearing, senior scientific officer Mrs Ann Irwin claimed that some police officers had asked her to cover up their mistakes in the past seven years.

Those involved the handling of cases involving tests for firearms residue on clothing and other materials taken from suspects.

Lord Justice Nicholson said he was "disturbed" by her evidence, adding: "I intend to take it up with the Lord Chief Justice because of its implications."