Woman accused of stealing £24k from Omagh bomb survivor
The Omagh bomb happened in August 1998.
A woman allegedly stole cash from her employer, who was seriously injured in the Omagh bomb.
Michelle Bowes (47) is accused of stealing cash totalling £24,272.05 on dates between September 1, 2021 and November 18, 2022.
No details surrounding the circumstances of the alleged offending were disclosed during the short hearing, other than to set out the injured party is Claire Bowes, who established Omagh Music Academy with whom the accused previously worked, although it is unclear in what capacity.
Claire was seriously injured by shrapnel in the Real IRA bomb when aged just 15 and was left blind, but successfully continued in education to degree level and going on to establish her successful music business in 2013.
She teaches piano full-time and employs tutors for multiple other musical instruments.
Claire Bowes who was injured in the Omagh bomb and now runs Omagh Music Academy. Pic by Peter Morrison
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The case, which is currently before Omagh Magistrates Court, was listed for committal.
A defence barrister requested some time to study the papers and consult with the accused, from Old Mountfield Road, Omagh.
District Judge Peter Magill agreed and adjourned the case until May 28 when the committal is scheduled to be heard and the case is expected to be sent to the Crown court.
The Omagh bomb happened on August 15, 1998.
A large car bomb exploded on a Saturday afternoon in the centre of the Co Tyrone town.
Twenty-nine people, including a woman pregnant with twins, died and more than 200 were injured.
It was the worst single atrocity in 30 years of the Troubles in Northern Ireland.
