11/10/2023
Call For Gavin Coyle Sentence To Be Reviewed
The UUP is calling for a sentence given to a man for his role in a bomb attack on an off-duty Catholic police officer to be reviewed.
The Real IRA attack occurred near Castlederg in 2008.
Gavin Coyle received a four year sentence at Belfast Crown Court and will serve another two on licence.
Ulster Unionist Justice spokesperson Doug Beattie MC MLA said: "The aftermath of an attempted murder has left a police officer with permanent disfigurement and mental ill health. It was a deliberate, well-organised, and premeditated terrorist attack in which Gavin Coyle played a pivotal role. To be handed down a sentence, even after previously being convicted of weapons offences, that will see him released from jail after serving just four years is unbelievable. Compare that to the 18-year sentence for terrorism offences given to Ciaran Maxwell in a GB court.
"Without a doubt, the sentence handed to Gavin Coyle is unduly lenient, and I will request that it be reviewed."
The Real IRA attack occurred near Castlederg in 2008.
Gavin Coyle received a four year sentence at Belfast Crown Court and will serve another two on licence.
Ulster Unionist Justice spokesperson Doug Beattie MC MLA said: "The aftermath of an attempted murder has left a police officer with permanent disfigurement and mental ill health. It was a deliberate, well-organised, and premeditated terrorist attack in which Gavin Coyle played a pivotal role. To be handed down a sentence, even after previously being convicted of weapons offences, that will see him released from jail after serving just four years is unbelievable. Compare that to the 18-year sentence for terrorism offences given to Ciaran Maxwell in a GB court.
"Without a doubt, the sentence handed to Gavin Coyle is unduly lenient, and I will request that it be reviewed."
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