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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)
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