Menu
29/01/2018
Loyalist Supergrass Sentenced To Over Six Years Behind Bars
Loyalist supergrass Gary Haggarty has been sentenced to six and a half years behind bars for 202 terror offences.
The former loyalist paramilitary turned police informer previously pleaded guilty to five murders.
He was originally sentenced to 35 years, however he had the time reduced after he co-operated with the police.
He also admitted five attempted murders, including against police officers; 23 counts of conspiracy to murder; directing terrorism; and membership of a proscribed organisation.
He has already served three years on remand.
SDLP MLA John Dallat has said that victims are sorely disappointed and feel let down by the scale of the reduced sentence.
He said: "Relatives of those murdered by UVF death gangs with the involvement of Gary Haggarty don't believe they got justice in Court 13 today. While they were prepared for some 'discount' for Haggarty they didn't expect the scale of the reduction he has received for a series of heinous murders.
"After committing despicable crimes, it feels like he's been given a 'get out of jail free' card.
"Not only will Haggarty walk free but he has named none of the police officers who were involved in collusion on a grand scale.
"It is unacceptable that so many innocent people died and those with blood on their hands get a 'discount' on their sentences while their minders go free.
"I sat in court today with families as atrocity after atrocity committed by Haggarty was catalogued. It was harrowing and a reminder of the pain that victims and survivors continue to endure as a result of a political failure to meet their needs."
Sinn Féin justice spokesperson Raymond McCartney said the scale of collusion in the case is "appalling".
He said: "The families have received neither truth nor justice. Gary Haggarty pleaded guilty to over 200 offences, including five murders, all of which were committed while working as a police informer.
"This reduced sentence means that he is effectively getting away with murder.
"But families are also being denied the truth around allegations that Haggarty's RUC Special Branch may have ignored warnings about murder and may have covered up his involvement in murders and attempted murders over many years."
(CD/LM)
The former loyalist paramilitary turned police informer previously pleaded guilty to five murders.
He was originally sentenced to 35 years, however he had the time reduced after he co-operated with the police.
He also admitted five attempted murders, including against police officers; 23 counts of conspiracy to murder; directing terrorism; and membership of a proscribed organisation.
He has already served three years on remand.
SDLP MLA John Dallat has said that victims are sorely disappointed and feel let down by the scale of the reduced sentence.
He said: "Relatives of those murdered by UVF death gangs with the involvement of Gary Haggarty don't believe they got justice in Court 13 today. While they were prepared for some 'discount' for Haggarty they didn't expect the scale of the reduction he has received for a series of heinous murders.
"After committing despicable crimes, it feels like he's been given a 'get out of jail free' card.
"Not only will Haggarty walk free but he has named none of the police officers who were involved in collusion on a grand scale.
"It is unacceptable that so many innocent people died and those with blood on their hands get a 'discount' on their sentences while their minders go free.
"I sat in court today with families as atrocity after atrocity committed by Haggarty was catalogued. It was harrowing and a reminder of the pain that victims and survivors continue to endure as a result of a political failure to meet their needs."
Sinn Féin justice spokesperson Raymond McCartney said the scale of collusion in the case is "appalling".
He said: "The families have received neither truth nor justice. Gary Haggarty pleaded guilty to over 200 offences, including five murders, all of which were committed while working as a police informer.
"This reduced sentence means that he is effectively getting away with murder.
"But families are also being denied the truth around allegations that Haggarty's RUC Special Branch may have ignored warnings about murder and may have covered up his involvement in murders and attempted murders over many years."
(CD/LM)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
19 November 2024
Two Arrested After High-Speed Police Chase In West Belfast
Two men have been arrested following a high-speed police chase in west Belfast early Monday morning. At around 2:30 AM, police spotted a white Volkswagen Golf traveling at excessive speed on the Westlink.
Two Arrested After High-Speed Police Chase In West Belfast
Two men have been arrested following a high-speed police chase in west Belfast early Monday morning. At around 2:30 AM, police spotted a white Volkswagen Golf traveling at excessive speed on the Westlink.
19 November 2024
Police Appeal After Arson Attack In Newtownards
Detectives have renewed an appeal for information following a deliberate arson attack at a vacant property in the Weaver's Grange area of Newtownards. The incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday, 17 November, 2023. Police and firefighters were called to the scene at around 12:40am.
Police Appeal After Arson Attack In Newtownards
Detectives have renewed an appeal for information following a deliberate arson attack at a vacant property in the Weaver's Grange area of Newtownards. The incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday, 17 November, 2023. Police and firefighters were called to the scene at around 12:40am.
14 November 2024
Police Appeal Following Burglary In Ahoghill
Detectives are appealing for information following a report of a burglary in Ahoghill on Tuesday, 12th November. Police received a report that the back door of a house on the Ballymena Road was forced open shortly before 6pm.
Police Appeal Following Burglary In Ahoghill
Detectives are appealing for information following a report of a burglary in Ahoghill on Tuesday, 12th November. Police received a report that the back door of a house on the Ballymena Road was forced open shortly before 6pm.
18 November 2024
Other News In Brief
Two Arrested After Dangerous Driving Incident In North Belfast Two men have been arrested following a dangerous driving incident in north Belfast in the early hours of Monday, November 18th. The incident began on the Whitewell Road, where a car was observed driving erratically.
Other News In Brief
Two Arrested After Dangerous Driving Incident In North Belfast Two men have been arrested following a dangerous driving incident in north Belfast in the early hours of Monday, November 18th. The incident began on the Whitewell Road, where a car was observed driving erratically.
22 November 2024
Pedestrian Injured In Belfast Hit-and-Run
The PSNI have issued an appeal for information following a hit-and-run incident in the Botanic Avenue area of Belfast in the early hours of Thursday morning. Officers were called to the scene shortly before 1.30am after a male pedestrian was struck by a maroon Mazda. Despite being injured, the pedestrian left the area before police arrived.
Pedestrian Injured In Belfast Hit-and-Run
The PSNI have issued an appeal for information following a hit-and-run incident in the Botanic Avenue area of Belfast in the early hours of Thursday morning. Officers were called to the scene shortly before 1.30am after a male pedestrian was struck by a maroon Mazda. Despite being injured, the pedestrian left the area before police arrived.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
