In a significant legal development, Shane Stevenson, aged 35, and Paul McKerr, aged 54, faced sentencing on Monday at Newry Crown Court for their involvement in a case involving firearms and possession of information potentially linked to terrorism.
Stevenson, who had previously entered a guilty plea, faced charges of possessing firearms under suspicious circumstances, holding firearms without a proper firearms certificate, and attempting to possess information that could be of use to terrorists. The court sentenced Stevenson to 16 months in prison, with an additional 12 months under supervised release conditions upon his release. Furthermore, Stevenson is subject to notification requirements under the Counter Terrorism Act 2008 for an extended period of 10 years.
McKerr, previously convicted of possessing firearms under suspicious circumstances and holding firearms without the necessary certificate, received a nine-month prison sentence.
The charges stemmed from an incident on February 21, 2018, when law enforcement officers intercepted a van in Lurgan, driven by McKerr and with Stevenson as the passenger. Subsequent to a search of the vehicle, officers discovered a bag containing 22 empty magazines compatible with AK47/AKM assault rifles. A subsequent search of Stevenson’s residence unveiled two handwritten notes concealed within the insulating cavity of a flask. These notes contained detailed information about vehicles using Lurgan Police Station on various dates in February.
Detective Superintendent Griffin, representing the Police Service’s Terrorism Investigation Unit, provided insights into the case. He stated, “Forensic evidence has played a crucial role in this investigation. The magazines recovered from the van were coated with an oil-like substance, which was also present on gloves inside the vehicle. Through DNA analysis, these gloves were forensically linked to both defendants.” Furthermore, the handwritten notes found within the flask were attributed to Stevenson through DNA and fingerprint analysis.
Griffin emphasised the seriousness of the case, revealing that the firearms were believed to be in transit on behalf of the New IRA for potential future terrorist purposes. The handwritten notes indicated an alarming level of active surveillance and targeting of law enforcement officers.
The law enforcement authorities, in partnership with the Public Prosecution Service, have been resolute in their efforts to bring such offenders to justice. Detective Superintendent Griffin reaffirmed the commitment of officers to safeguarding individuals and communities by actively investigating and disrupting terrorist activities. He urged anyone with information related to this case to contact the authorities at 101. Information can also be provided anonymously through the charity Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111 or online at http:///www.crimestoppers-uk.org.
