Menu
07/08/2003
McKevitt receives 20-year sentence
The leader of the Real IRA, Michael McKevitt, has been sentenced to 20 years in jail at the Special Criminal Court in Dublin today.
Yesterday McKevitt was found guilty of directing terrorism and of being a member of an illegal organisation.
The case brought against 53-year-old Michael McKevitt, from Black Rock, Co Louth, is the first under the Republic's directing terrorism laws. Although the charge has no previous legal precedent in the Republic, the Special Criminal Court handed out the maximum possible jail term under the provisions of the Irish state’s recently enacted anti-terrorism legislation.
In the north, loyalist paramilitary leader Johnny Adair was sentenced to 16 years for directing terrorism. Although Adair was subsequently released on licence in 2000 under the auspices of the Good Friday Agreement’s early release scheme, he was returned to prison later the same year after breeching the terms of his licence.
In Dublin on Wednesday, in a statement from the Special Criminal Court Mr Justice Johnson stressed that McKevitt was charged with and found guilty of offences that occurred after the bombing of Omagh in 1998.
McKevitt, who denied the charges, is to mount an appeal against the conviction. However, relatives of the Omagh bomb victims have welcomed the verdict.
The bombing of Omagh town centre by the Real IRA in 1998 killed 29 civilians.
(SP)
Yesterday McKevitt was found guilty of directing terrorism and of being a member of an illegal organisation.
The case brought against 53-year-old Michael McKevitt, from Black Rock, Co Louth, is the first under the Republic's directing terrorism laws. Although the charge has no previous legal precedent in the Republic, the Special Criminal Court handed out the maximum possible jail term under the provisions of the Irish state’s recently enacted anti-terrorism legislation.
In the north, loyalist paramilitary leader Johnny Adair was sentenced to 16 years for directing terrorism. Although Adair was subsequently released on licence in 2000 under the auspices of the Good Friday Agreement’s early release scheme, he was returned to prison later the same year after breeching the terms of his licence.
In Dublin on Wednesday, in a statement from the Special Criminal Court Mr Justice Johnson stressed that McKevitt was charged with and found guilty of offences that occurred after the bombing of Omagh in 1998.
McKevitt, who denied the charges, is to mount an appeal against the conviction. However, relatives of the Omagh bomb victims have welcomed the verdict.
The bombing of Omagh town centre by the Real IRA in 1998 killed 29 civilians.
(SP)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
11 September 2024
Special Reception Marks Success Of Michael Dunlop
A special reception has been held at Parliament Buildings hosted by Communities Minister Gordon Lyons, to mark the latest record-breaking triumphs OF motorbike rider Michael Dunlop.
Special Reception Marks Success Of Michael Dunlop
A special reception has been held at Parliament Buildings hosted by Communities Minister Gordon Lyons, to mark the latest record-breaking triumphs OF motorbike rider Michael Dunlop.
22 August 2024
Terrorism Investigation Unit Searches In Derry City & Strabane
The PSNI's Terrorism Investigation Unit have carried out searches at two addresses in the Derry City & Strabane area early this morning, Thursday 22 August. The searches, in Strabane and the Lettershandoney area, are part of an ongoing investigation into dissident republican activity.
Terrorism Investigation Unit Searches In Derry City & Strabane
The PSNI's Terrorism Investigation Unit have carried out searches at two addresses in the Derry City & Strabane area early this morning, Thursday 22 August. The searches, in Strabane and the Lettershandoney area, are part of an ongoing investigation into dissident republican activity.
07 August 2024
Belfast Woman Convicted Of Animal Cruelty
Belfast City Council has welcomed the conviction of a woman for causing unnecessary suffering to a cat. In June this year, the council received complaints that a cat had been left at the property unattended for a number of days.
Belfast Woman Convicted Of Animal Cruelty
Belfast City Council has welcomed the conviction of a woman for causing unnecessary suffering to a cat. In June this year, the council received complaints that a cat had been left at the property unattended for a number of days.
10 September 2024
Donaldson And Wife Enter Not Guilty Pleas
Sir Jeffrey Donaldson and his wife Eleanor have both pleaded not guilty to a total of 21 charges in their latest appearance at Newry Crown Court today, Tuesday 10 September. The 61-year-old former leader of the DUP, Sir Jeffrey, entered a not guilty plea to all 18 charges, said to have occurred before 1985 and 2008 and involved two alleged victims.
Donaldson And Wife Enter Not Guilty Pleas
Sir Jeffrey Donaldson and his wife Eleanor have both pleaded not guilty to a total of 21 charges in their latest appearance at Newry Crown Court today, Tuesday 10 September. The 61-year-old former leader of the DUP, Sir Jeffrey, entered a not guilty plea to all 18 charges, said to have occurred before 1985 and 2008 and involved two alleged victims.
12 February 2024
22-Year-Old Man Jailed For Rape At Laganside Crown Court
A 22-year-old man has been sentenced to six years for rape at Laganside Crown Court. Ahmad Alsbaihi was sentenced to six years. He will serve three years in custody and three years on licence. He will be placed on the Sex Offenders Register and will be subject to a Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO) for 10 years.
22-Year-Old Man Jailed For Rape At Laganside Crown Court
A 22-year-old man has been sentenced to six years for rape at Laganside Crown Court. Ahmad Alsbaihi was sentenced to six years. He will serve three years in custody and three years on licence. He will be placed on the Sex Offenders Register and will be subject to a Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO) for 10 years.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Early mist and fog clearing to leave a dry and mainly sunny day, although patchy cloud possible through County Down. Warmest in the west with light east or northeast winds. Maximum temperature 20 °C.Tonight:Dry and bright at first but some areas of low cloud developing through the evening and overnight, particularly over southern counties and the north Antrim hills. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
