Lawyers for 12 men charged with offences linked to the attempted murder of former PSNI officer John Caldwell criticised ongoing delays at Omagh Magistrates’ Court.

John Caldwell was shot multiple times while off-duty after coaching a youth football team in Omagh in February 2023.

A Public Prosecution Service representative informed the court that no timeline exists for completing the case files. Decisions have been reached on some cases but work continues on others. The service stated the papers must be issued together and specialist police officers are aiding preparation.

Senior counsel Eoghan Devlin KC described the prosecution's update as lacking substance. He pointed out a recent letter to Patrick Fahy Solicitors offered no useful information. Devlin also highlighted that dropping charges against Alan McFarland last month contradicted prior claims about integrating all files.

Solicitor Michael Fahy proposed setting a preliminary enquiry in eight to ten weeks to urge faster progress. District Judge Conor Heaney declined and instead directed the prosecution to supply a timeline for file completion and Chief Justice consent.

The case returns to court on March 31.