Man Jailed For Terrorism-Related Offences

A 45-year-old man has been sentenced at Belfast Crown Court in connection with a Continuity IRA attack and other terrorism-related offences.

Having previously pleaded guilty to terrorism-related offences, Gabriel Meehan, was sentenced to a 30 month custodial sentence. He will serve a minimum of two thirds of this sentence before being eligible for release.

The sentencing is in connection with an attack at Enniskillen Police Station, which was claimed by the Continuity IRA, a number of security alerts between 13 March and 19 March 2021, and the discovery of an improvised firearm, which was located in the Lough Shore Path area of Enniskillen on 17 March.

Detective Superintendent Griffin, from the Police Service of Northern Ireland's Terrorism Investigation Unit, said: "Today's outcome follows a thorough investigation by detectives investigating four reports of bomb threats made via media outlets in 2021.

"Following a number of searches, a suspicious object was located in the Lough Shore Path area, in the vicinity of Riverside, on 17 March 2021. The item was later found to be an improvised shotgun-type weapon and consisted of a spent 12 gauge shotgun cartridge. Due to the amount of cartridge discharge residue present, it was assessed that it had recently been fired.

"A subsequent search of Gabriel Meehan's house recovered a number of items, including a phone which included a vehicle registration number of a member of the British Army, and photos of the improvised shotgun-type weapon found in the Lough Shore Path area.

"He was arrested and charged with terrorism-related offences in May 2021 and, earlier this year, pleaded guilty to collection of information likely to be of use to terrorists."

Detective Superintendent Griffin continued: "Officers from our Terrorism Investigation Unit remain totally committed to investigating and disrupting terrorist activity. Our aim will always be to protect communities and keep people safe from harm, and we will continue, with your support, to tackle those intent on bringing weapons and violence to our doorstep.

"I'm keen to encourage anyone with information, or indeed concerns, to contact us on 101."

A report can also be made using the online reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport

Alternatively, information can be provided to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org