27/11/2020
Man Jailed For 'At Least' 22 Years For Murder Of Adrian Ismay
A 50-year-old Belfast man has been jailed for a minimum of 22 years for the 2016 murder of prison officer Adrian Ismay.
Christopher Robinson was convicted of the murder of the prison officer in January this year, and received a mandatory life sentence.
Under the current tariff setting will mean he will serve a minimum of 22 years in prison before being eligible to apply for release.
Father-of-three Adrian Ismay was injured by a device under his vehicle which exploded in Hillsborough Drive, east Belfast on 4th March, 2016. The 52-year-old tragically passed away in hospital 11 days later as a result of the injuries he sustained in the explosion.
Detectives from the Police Service of Northern Ireland's Major Investigation Team have welcomed the prison sentence.
Detective Superintendent Richard Campbell said: "First and foremost, our thoughts are very much with the family and loved ones of Adrian Ismay who will be reliving the horror of what happened more than four and a half years ago. They face their own life sentence as they will never see Mr Ismay again. Their lives have been shattered.
"The life sentence given to Christopher Robinson for this brutal and horrific killing is deserving. He knew Mr Ismay as they volunteered together in the local community but callously betrayed him by his involvement in planting an explosive device under the prison officer's van just because of how he earned his living.
"Adrian Ismay, who was a husband and a father, was a hard-working man who had left his home that Friday morning to do his job and to keep people safe. He did not know that Christopher Robinson had planned to kill him. Early that morning the bomb exploded while Mr Ismay was driving through a busy residential area in East Belfast. This further illustrates just how reckless the attack was and that Christopher Robinson simply did not care how many people were killed or injured.
"What happened to Mr Ismay was horrific, and nothing or no one can ever justify such a cowardly and senseless attack as he underwent his daily business.
"We know today's sentencing will not take away the pain and heartache felt each day by his family, however, we hope it will bring them some comfort in knowing that his killer is behind bars. It should also act as a deterrent to anyone involved in terrorism within our community that we, as your Police Service, will investigate these offences robustly and do all we can to bring offenders to justice."
Christopher Robinson was convicted of the murder of the prison officer in January this year, and received a mandatory life sentence.
Under the current tariff setting will mean he will serve a minimum of 22 years in prison before being eligible to apply for release.
Father-of-three Adrian Ismay was injured by a device under his vehicle which exploded in Hillsborough Drive, east Belfast on 4th March, 2016. The 52-year-old tragically passed away in hospital 11 days later as a result of the injuries he sustained in the explosion.
Detectives from the Police Service of Northern Ireland's Major Investigation Team have welcomed the prison sentence.
Detective Superintendent Richard Campbell said: "First and foremost, our thoughts are very much with the family and loved ones of Adrian Ismay who will be reliving the horror of what happened more than four and a half years ago. They face their own life sentence as they will never see Mr Ismay again. Their lives have been shattered.
"The life sentence given to Christopher Robinson for this brutal and horrific killing is deserving. He knew Mr Ismay as they volunteered together in the local community but callously betrayed him by his involvement in planting an explosive device under the prison officer's van just because of how he earned his living.
"Adrian Ismay, who was a husband and a father, was a hard-working man who had left his home that Friday morning to do his job and to keep people safe. He did not know that Christopher Robinson had planned to kill him. Early that morning the bomb exploded while Mr Ismay was driving through a busy residential area in East Belfast. This further illustrates just how reckless the attack was and that Christopher Robinson simply did not care how many people were killed or injured.
"What happened to Mr Ismay was horrific, and nothing or no one can ever justify such a cowardly and senseless attack as he underwent his daily business.
"We know today's sentencing will not take away the pain and heartache felt each day by his family, however, we hope it will bring them some comfort in knowing that his killer is behind bars. It should also act as a deterrent to anyone involved in terrorism within our community that we, as your Police Service, will investigate these offences robustly and do all we can to bring offenders to justice."
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15 March 2016
Prison Officer Injured In Bomb Attack Dies
A prison officer who was injured after a bomb went off under the van he was driving has died. The incident happened in the Hillsborough Drive area in east Belfast on 04 March. A group calling itself the New IRA claimed responsibility for the attack. A man has appeared in court charged with attempted murder in connection with the incident.
Prison Officer Injured In Bomb Attack Dies
A prison officer who was injured after a bomb went off under the van he was driving has died. The incident happened in the Hillsborough Drive area in east Belfast on 04 March. A group calling itself the New IRA claimed responsibility for the attack. A man has appeared in court charged with attempted murder in connection with the incident.
20 November 2024
Hydebank Wood Prison Praised For 'Model Of Excellence'
Justice Minister Naomi Long has hailed Hydebank Wood Secure College and Women's Prison as a "model of excellence and good practice" following the publication of two positive inspection reports.
Hydebank Wood Prison Praised For 'Model Of Excellence'
Justice Minister Naomi Long has hailed Hydebank Wood Secure College and Women's Prison as a "model of excellence and good practice" following the publication of two positive inspection reports.
07 February 2017
Man Released Over Murder Of Adrian Ismay
A man arrested by police over the murder of prison officer Adrian Ismay has been released pending a report to the Public Prosecution Service (PPS). The 40-year-old was detained on Monday, 06 February, and was questioned at Musgrave Serious Crime Suite.
Man Released Over Murder Of Adrian Ismay
A man arrested by police over the murder of prison officer Adrian Ismay has been released pending a report to the Public Prosecution Service (PPS). The 40-year-old was detained on Monday, 06 February, and was questioned at Musgrave Serious Crime Suite.
18 March 2016
Man Charged With Murder Of Prison Officer
A man has appeared in court charged with the murder of prison officer Adrian Ismay. Mr Ismay, 52, died after being injured by a bomb which went off under the van he was driving on Hillsborough Drive on 04 March. He died as a direct result of the injuries he sustained during the explosion. The 'New IRA' admitted responsibility for the attack.
Man Charged With Murder Of Prison Officer
A man has appeared in court charged with the murder of prison officer Adrian Ismay. Mr Ismay, 52, died after being injured by a bomb which went off under the van he was driving on Hillsborough Drive on 04 March. He died as a direct result of the injuries he sustained during the explosion. The 'New IRA' admitted responsibility for the attack.
02 July 2019
Parties Unite To Condemn Tyrone Vandalism
Political representatives have united to condemn an act of vandalism in County Tyrone. According to Cookstown Ulster Unionist Councillor Trevor Wilson, threatening graffiti appeared on the walls of a former police station in Stewartstown, naming people alleged to be prison officers.
Parties Unite To Condemn Tyrone Vandalism
Political representatives have united to condemn an act of vandalism in County Tyrone. According to Cookstown Ulster Unionist Councillor Trevor Wilson, threatening graffiti appeared on the walls of a former police station in Stewartstown, naming people alleged to be prison officers.
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