Four Men Jailed For Murder Of Colin Horner

Four men from the Newtownards and Bangor areas have been handed custodial sentences for the murder of Colin Horner in 2017.

The victim was gunned down outside a busy supermarket in Bangor on Sunday 28 May, only seconds after placing his three-year-old son, who witnessed the brutal slaying, into his car seat.

Ryan Smyth (31) and Alan Wilson (30) were both sentenced to 16 years in prison at Laganside Crown Court today, 29 January, while 35-year-old Joseph Blair was handed 15 years and six months and Robert Ralph (47) got 15 years.

Another man and woman also pled guilty to withholding information about the murder.

Adrian Gordon Price (48) from Newtownards will serve 12 months suspended for two years, and 24-year-old Terrie Aicken from Conlig was sentenced to three months, which was suspended for 12 months.

The PSNI believe the "premeditated" execution was linked to an ongoing feud with the South East Antrim UDA.

Detective Chief Inspector Peter McKenna welcomed today's sentencing for the "cold and brutal murder of a young man".

He said: "Colin Horner visited a local supermarket with his young child and after picking up some groceries they returned to his car. Colin had just finished placing his three year old son in his car seat when a gunman jumped out of a Ford Mondeo and ran towards them, opening fire with a handgun. Colin was hit several times and was left to die as the gunman ran back to the car which fled the scene and was found burning minutes later just a short distance away. Sadly Colin was rushed to hospital but did not survive the devastating injuries that he received. 

"It is inconceivable that Colin's son, who was just a toddler at the time, had to witness his father's murder and this is a memory that he will carry with him for the rest of his life. Colin was also the father of a little girl who was just two years old when her Daddy was taken in such a callous manner."

The victim's partner also issued a statement thanking the PSNI, the Public Prosecution Service and the court services for the sentencing.

"Knowing that the people responsible for Colin's death are now behind bars is a relief for me, my daughter but more so my son as he now knows the "bad guys" are in jail and can't hurt him anymore," Natasha said.

Colin's mother Lesley added: "On behalf of myself, my children and the Horner family, I would like to thank the police who worked so hard to bring my son's murderers to justice. Also to the police family liaison officers for showing love and compassion at the worst time of our lives, we thank you."

In the hours leading up to his death, Colin was followed throughout the day by a second vehicle, a black Ford Focus, which enabled the gunman to pull up in the Mondeo at the supermarket and end his life in a matter of seconds.

DCI McKenna added: "The thugs responsible for this murder are hypocrites who think they have a right to act as judge, jury and executioner. They do not serve the best interests of the community and they have no place in our society. 

"This reckless shooting took place in broad daylight, on a bank holiday weekend in a busy supermarket carpark which was packed with local shoppers and their children. These killers gave no regard to the trauma that they were causing to those who witnessed the brutal execution. The very normal routine of families buying food for Sunday dinners, barbeques and packed lunches for the week ahead turned into a nightmare as bullets were fired across the car park. 

"This has been a long and complex investigation by detectives I would like to pay tribute to Colin's mother Lesley and his partner Natasha for their calm and resolve throughout the process. Colin was a much loved father, partner, son and friend and whilst no sentence can bring him back, I hope that these convictions offer some comfort as they cope with their grief."



(JG/CM)