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28/06/2006
Blackmailer jailed for four-and-a-half years
A man has been jailed for four and a half years after admitting to taking part in an IRA extortion plot to blackmail an alleged cigarette smuggler out of £300,000.
Richard O'Donnell, 59, and from Old Course Road in Downpatrick, was described by Belfast Crown Court Judge Kevin Finnegan as a "bit player" in the plot.
The court heard that in 2004, O'Donnell worked as a go-between when three men threatened to kill a man, known as Witness A, if he did not comply with their request.
O'Donnell was arrested after a prolonged police operation, in which officers monitored phone calls and text messages sent to Witness A's phone.
During this time, the cash demand was lowered to £100,000, which was expected to be delivered within five-days.
Witness A was then instructed to go to a meeting place in Castlewellan, County Down, and warned not to involve the police or face the consequences.
O'Donnell was arrested during the handover.
Despite his defence claiming Witness A was a cigarette smuggler dealing in contraband goods rather than a legitimate businessman, Judge Finnegan insisted this did not diminish the crime.
He told Belfast Crown Court sitting in Downpatrick: "It's a serious offence and it's always serious no matter who the victim is."
In a previous court hearing, Richard O'Donnell pleaded guilty to the charge of extortion, however during today's hearing, Judge Finnegan said there was "regret that the authorities have been unable to bring the main perpetrators" to justice.
He continued: "Blackmail is a serious offence and is always serious whoever the victim is - it preys on the soul of the victim and their family."
O'Donnell agreed to spend a further 18 months on probation on his release.
(EF/SP)
Richard O'Donnell, 59, and from Old Course Road in Downpatrick, was described by Belfast Crown Court Judge Kevin Finnegan as a "bit player" in the plot.
The court heard that in 2004, O'Donnell worked as a go-between when three men threatened to kill a man, known as Witness A, if he did not comply with their request.
O'Donnell was arrested after a prolonged police operation, in which officers monitored phone calls and text messages sent to Witness A's phone.
During this time, the cash demand was lowered to £100,000, which was expected to be delivered within five-days.
Witness A was then instructed to go to a meeting place in Castlewellan, County Down, and warned not to involve the police or face the consequences.
O'Donnell was arrested during the handover.
Despite his defence claiming Witness A was a cigarette smuggler dealing in contraband goods rather than a legitimate businessman, Judge Finnegan insisted this did not diminish the crime.
He told Belfast Crown Court sitting in Downpatrick: "It's a serious offence and it's always serious no matter who the victim is."
In a previous court hearing, Richard O'Donnell pleaded guilty to the charge of extortion, however during today's hearing, Judge Finnegan said there was "regret that the authorities have been unable to bring the main perpetrators" to justice.
He continued: "Blackmail is a serious offence and is always serious whoever the victim is - it preys on the soul of the victim and their family."
O'Donnell agreed to spend a further 18 months on probation on his release.
(EF/SP)
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