A 32-year-old man from Omagh in County Tyrone has launched a judicial review against the Department of Justice over its electronic tagging system. Sean Pearson of Culmore Park claims the device records excessive personal data in violation of the Data Protection Act 2018.

Pearson faces charges related to a security incident in Omagh in May 2023. Masked individuals claiming IRA affiliation held a motorist at gunpoint and forced him to drive a vehicle to the local PSNI station. They stated a timer was set with a 20-minute deadline.

Police recovered a fake device from the vehicle's boot. It included a gas canister, 24-hour mechanical timer switch, adhesive tape, and fireworks in a plastic tube. Authorities arrested Pearson based on CCTV footage from two shops where materials for the device were bought.

Pearson denies involvement and has no forensic links to the device. Bail conditions require him to wear an electronic tag for curfew supervision. He argues the new system tracks movements continuously, even outside curfew hours, and exceeds reasonable requirements.

Pearson's legal team seeks a declaration that the policy is unlawful and an order to stop unauthorized data use. In court, Department counsel Tony McGleenan KC conceded leave for review on certain grounds. Mr Justice McAlinden scheduled a full hearing for September.

Pearson's solicitor Owen Beattie stated the case examines electronic tagging practices in the criminal justice system. He noted hundreds or thousands of defendants use such tags.