Menu
22/03/2002
Brothers receive life for the murder of elderly neighbour
Two brothers have received life sentences at Belfast Crown Court for the murder of their elderly next-door neighbour.
Stephen Johnston, 27, of Moyard Park in west Belfast, and his brother Paul, 20, of no fixed address, were convicted of murdering their elderly neighbour Sean May last week.
Handing down the sentence on Friday 22 March, the trial judge said that Stephen Johnston would serve a minimum of 21 years in prison while his brother Paul Johnston would serve at least 19 years.
The two men have received the highest ever prison sentences under new Northern Ireland law. Under new legislation the trial judge must specify how much of a life sentence an offender must serve before being eligible for parole.
During the trial, the court heard how the two men, who were sniffing glue, brutally beat and stabbed Mr May 47 times at his home in Moyard Park in December 1999.
At the sentencing on Friday, Mr Justice Higgins described them as "very dangerous". The judge said the man, who had learning difficulties, had been attacked in a most savage and sadistic manner.
He said that throughout the trial both men had sat motionless, expressionless and without emotion.
After sentencing Mr Higgins praised local people and neighbours and commended the police for their efforts in the case. (AMcE)
Stephen Johnston, 27, of Moyard Park in west Belfast, and his brother Paul, 20, of no fixed address, were convicted of murdering their elderly neighbour Sean May last week.
Handing down the sentence on Friday 22 March, the trial judge said that Stephen Johnston would serve a minimum of 21 years in prison while his brother Paul Johnston would serve at least 19 years.
The two men have received the highest ever prison sentences under new Northern Ireland law. Under new legislation the trial judge must specify how much of a life sentence an offender must serve before being eligible for parole.
During the trial, the court heard how the two men, who were sniffing glue, brutally beat and stabbed Mr May 47 times at his home in Moyard Park in December 1999.
At the sentencing on Friday, Mr Justice Higgins described them as "very dangerous". The judge said the man, who had learning difficulties, had been attacked in a most savage and sadistic manner.
He said that throughout the trial both men had sat motionless, expressionless and without emotion.
After sentencing Mr Higgins praised local people and neighbours and commended the police for their efforts in the case. (AMcE)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
22 February 2012
Nine Acquitted Of Tommy English Murder
Nine men accused of murdering UDA leader Tommy English have been aquittted. This includes the alleged former UVF leader in North Belfast, Mark Haddock. Verdicts have been delivered today in what is being hailed as one of the longest and most expensive trials in Northern Ireland’s legal history.
Nine Acquitted Of Tommy English Murder
Nine men accused of murdering UDA leader Tommy English have been aquittted. This includes the alleged former UVF leader in North Belfast, Mark Haddock. Verdicts have been delivered today in what is being hailed as one of the longest and most expensive trials in Northern Ireland’s legal history.
22 June 2012
Brothers Win Trial Appeal Over Missing Millions
Two brothers whose building empire collapsed in the financial crash have won the right to a full trial appeal over millions of pounds Ulster Bank is trying to claim from them. Michael and John Taggart borrowed the sums for Taggart Holdings Ltd in Northern Ireland and Taggart Homes Ireland Ltd in the Republic.
Brothers Win Trial Appeal Over Missing Millions
Two brothers whose building empire collapsed in the financial crash have won the right to a full trial appeal over millions of pounds Ulster Bank is trying to claim from them. Michael and John Taggart borrowed the sums for Taggart Holdings Ltd in Northern Ireland and Taggart Homes Ireland Ltd in the Republic.
06 September 2006
Judge adjourns Omagh bombing trial
The trial of the man accused of carrying out the Omagh bombing in 1998 has been adjourned. The case was put off until September 18, after a defence lawyer told the court that he was feeling unwell, and had appeared before the court against medical advice.
Judge adjourns Omagh bombing trial
The trial of the man accused of carrying out the Omagh bombing in 1998 has been adjourned. The case was put off until September 18, after a defence lawyer told the court that he was feeling unwell, and had appeared before the court against medical advice.
17 July 2018
Two Men Arrested Over Roofing Scam In Newry
Two men have been arrested in Newry who were allegedly involved in a roofing scam. The suspects reportedly offered to carry out roof repairs and guttering services in the Armagh road area and demanded more money when the work was complete. They are believed to have tried to scam a woman, aged in her 90s, out of £700.
Two Men Arrested Over Roofing Scam In Newry
Two men have been arrested in Newry who were allegedly involved in a roofing scam. The suspects reportedly offered to carry out roof repairs and guttering services in the Armagh road area and demanded more money when the work was complete. They are believed to have tried to scam a woman, aged in her 90s, out of £700.
05 May 2009
Accused Sent For Trial On Schoolboy Murder Charges
A judge has today ruled that two men are to stand trial for the murder of north Belfast schoolboy nearly four years ago. Gary Taylor of Ross House in Mount Vernon and Nigel Brown, formerly of Whitewell Road, are charged with the attack in August 2005 in which Thomas Devlin, 15, died from stab wounds.
Accused Sent For Trial On Schoolboy Murder Charges
A judge has today ruled that two men are to stand trial for the murder of north Belfast schoolboy nearly four years ago. Gary Taylor of Ross House in Mount Vernon and Nigel Brown, formerly of Whitewell Road, are charged with the attack in August 2005 in which Thomas Devlin, 15, died from stab wounds.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 7 °C.
