16 hours ago
Judge considering action over Jamie Bryson trial 'lie'
The judge in the trial involving loyalist activist Jamie Bryson is considering whether action is required over a "lie" that was told in Judge Gordon Kerr KC acquitted Mr Bryson, he said he believed he had lied in part of his was later rejected by Mr Bryson who insisted he told the truth at all a four-week trial, he was found not guilty on a charge of conspiracy to commit misconduct in public office.
The case related to a Stormont committee hearing in September 2015 on the National Asset Management Agency, known as have been asked since the conclusion of the Belfast trial as to whether any action might be taken against Mr Bryson.A spokesperson for the Lady Chief Justice's Office said Judge Kerr is "considering whether action is needed in light of his view that Mr Bryson lied to the court".In a statement, the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said: "We await the judge's full written ruling and, in consultation with the Public Prosecution Service, will consider our next steps."The part of Mr Bryson's evidence that the judge highlighted related to his dealings in 2015 with the then Sinn Féin politician Daithí McKay and party worker Thomas O' Bryson told the court he did not realise that when he was sending messages to Mr O'Hara, they were being relayed directly to Mr McKay. The judge did not believe him, and said he "lied on oath".
'Reaching into my mind'
The judge added: "Mr Bryson may have his reasons for lying. He has lived with this for 10 years, the investigation and charges for five. He has moved on and is seeking a new career."It may be that he felt by distancing himself from Mr McKay it would help him."In a statement to BBC News NI, Mr Bryson called the issue a "side-show".He said: "I stand over my evidence as to my state of mind. It was the truth."There is no corroborating evidence either way unless someone is reaching into my mind and rewinding 10 years."Throughout his trial, Mr Bryson insisted he did nothing wrong and all his actions regarding the Stormont committee were political not McKay and Mr O'Hara were also on trial. They too were acquitted.
