08/03/2019

25 Year Sentence For Man Who Attempted To Murder Police

A man guilty of attempting to murder police officers has been jailed for 25 years.

The PSNI welcomed the sentencing of Sean McVeigh, 38, after he was convicted of planting a bomb under a police officer's car.

He was sentenced today, Friday 08 March, at Laganside Crown Court in Belfast after placing an improvised explosive device underneath a vehicle at the home of two serving police officers on 18 June 2015.

Detective Chief Inspector John Caldwell said: "In the middle of the night on 18 June 2015, Sean McVeigh attempted to attach a bomb under the car of a male police officer when he was disturbed by the victim's wife, who is also a serving officer. It was simply through sheer luck that the woman woke up, looked out her bedroom window and caught Sean in the act or two police officers could potentially have been seriously injured or murdered.  

"Sean McVeigh chose to attack two officers who had selflessly chosen to protect their community and keep people safe despite the ever present threat posed by dissident republicans. I am thankful that despite Sean's evil intentions, he was unable to take these people away from their families and destroy numerous lives all in the name of his warped ideology. 

"Sean gave little thought to the community of Eglinton and his reckless actions could have caused devastating harm to residents living in the area if the bomb had exploded. Furthermore, the incident caused considerable disruption and upset to the local community, some of whom had to be evacuated from their homes in the middle of the night.

"Today's success follows a rigorous investigation by detectives and I welcome the fact that Sean McVeigh is behind bars. His plan was to destroy lives and it demonstrates the ruthlessness and recklessness of those opposed to peace and who live for violence. Northern Ireland is a safer place with this terrorist removed from our streets. 

"I would like to thank our colleagues in PPS and officers from An Garda Siochana who provided assistance in stopping Mr McVeigh when he crossed into Donegal as he fled the scene of the crime and their continued support during the criminal justice process. I would like to pay tribute to the local community for their ongoing support, the vast majority of whom want Northern Ireland to be a place where people can live together peacefully."



(JG/CM)

Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

23 June 2016
Police Officers Disciplined For Failing To Tell Doctor About Woman's Head Injuries
Two police officers have been disciplined after they failed to let their colleagues and a police doctor know that a woman had sustained a head injury, a Police Ombudsman investigation has concluded. The woman died from bleeding to the brain on 24 February 2014, the day after she suffered the injury.
10 April 2018
NI's Boxing Captain Sean McComb Involved In Nightclub Incident
Northern Ireland's boxing captain Sean McComb has allegedly been involved in a incident at a nightclub on the Gold Coast. According to reports, the 25-year-old has been banned from areas of the Gold Coast at the Commonwealth Games after he was issued with an infringement notice for causing public nuisance (violence).
30 May 2017
PSNI Appeal For Missing Man Sean Burns
Police are becoming "increasing concerned" about missing man Sean Burns. Mr Burns, 30, from Tandragee, was last seen wearing a black biker jacket, black trousers, a multi-coloured Ibiza t-shirt and brown pointed shoes.
10 December 2015
Police Appeal For Missing Man Sean Beard
Police are appealing for information to trace missing man Sean Beard. Mr Beard, 56, was last seen in Larne, Co Antrim, on Monday morning. He is described as 6ft tall, of medium build with grey hair. It is believed he was wearing blue/grey tracksuit bottoms, a jumper, a blue hooded jacket and a black thermal beanie cap.
30 January 2013
Police Release Images Linked To Ongoing Protests
Detectives from the Operation Dulcet Investigation team are today releasing 19 images of people they want to speak to in connection with their enquiries into recent serious public disorder in East Belfast, South Belfast and Newtownabbey areas.