Man facing bomb hoax charges at centre of ‘landmark legal challenge’ over use of ankle tags

A Co Tyrone man awaiting trial over a police station bomb hoax has obtained High Court permission to challenge the electronic tagging used to monitor his movements.

His lawyer described it as a landmark case which could change how ankle tags are used in Northern Irelands.

Speaking later, Pearson’s solicitor Owen Beattie said: “This landmark legal challenge questions how electronic ankle tags are being used and monitored across the criminal justice system.

With hundreds, if not thousands, of defendants required to wear these tags, the case will examine whether the current system is lawful”.

Mr Beattie added: “The outcome of this challenge could have far-reaching consequences, potentially changing how monitoring tags are used across the justice system”.