Northern Ireland

Co Tyrone woman accused of stealing £24k from Omagh bomb survivor

Michelle Bowes (47) from Old Mountfield Road in Omagh is accused of stealing the cash

The woman appeared before Coleraine Magistrates Court on Thursday
The woman is accused of stealing cash totalling £24,272.05

A Co Tyrone woman is facing trial for allegedly stealing cash from her employer who was seriously injured in the Omagh bombing.

Michelle Bowes (47) from Old Mountfield Road in Omagh 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 on Tuesday, other than to set out that 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 Bowes was seriously injured by shrapnel in the Omagh bombing in 1998, when she was aged just 15 and was left blind.

The case, which is currently before Omagh Magistrates Court, was listed for committal to transfer to trial.

Join the Irish News Whatsapp channel

However, a defence barrister requested some time in order to study the papers and consult with the accused.

District Judge Peter Magill agreed and adjourned the case until 28 May when the committal is scheduled to be heard and the accused is expected to be returned for trial at crown court.