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SATURDAY MAY 30 2009


Ulster primed for battle of the heavyweights at Clones
SFC: Page 75-79

McIlveen murderers’ sentences will stand
HE sentences handed down to the murderers of Catholic schoolboy Michael McIlveen
were not too lenient, the Attorney General’s office ruled yesterday. The decision
will come as a huge disappointment to the McIlveen family who had hoped the sentences
would be referred to the Court of Appeal where they could be increased. However,
the Solicitor General ruled that they “fall within the range of sentence that it
was reasonable for the judge to impose”. The sentences given to the four men guilty
of beating to death the 15-year-old in Ballymena three years ago had been referred
to the Attorney General’s office by the director of public prosecutions. The McIlveen
family had expressed outrage earlier this month when the four defendants were given
life sentences with minimum terms ranging from 10 to 13 years. A fifth man, Christopher
McLeister (18), was found guilty of manslaughter but was freed after receiving a
three-year suspended sentence. The matter was passed to Solicitor General Vera Baird
QC to review and earlier this week Michael’s mother, Gina, handed a petition with
more than 4,000 signatures to a representative for the Solicitor General calling
for “life to mean life”. However, it was announced yesterday that Ms Baird had
determined the trial judge had been correct. She apologised for the disappointment
her decision would cause but she said the judge had followed sentencing guidance.


By Maeve Connolly

■ WAKE:

Kevin McDaid’s son, Ryan, front left, helps carries his father’s coffin last
night. Among the pallbearers was Peter Neill, back left, who was injured in the attack
in which Kevin McDaid was killed PICTURE: Colm Leneghan/Pacemaker

Loyalist attack victim’s remains brought home
By Claire Simpson
HE body of murdered Coleraine man Kevin McDaid was brought home last night, passing
the spot where he lost his life almost a week ago. His sons – including Ryan who
was warned of a loyalist threat against him earlier this week – shouldered their
father’s coffin to the family home in Somerset Drive. A friend and neighbour, Peter
Neill, who still bears the scars of last week’s attack, was among the pallbearers
to offer the family support. More than 100 people turned out to pay their respects
to the Catholic


father-of-four who was beaten to death yards from his home on Sunday. Another man,
Damian Fleming, was badly injured and is being treated in the Royal Victoria Hospital,
Belfast. Violence had earlier erupted after Rangers beat Celtic to the Scottish Premier
League title. Mr McDaid’s remains were brought home just before a controversial
loyalist parade was due to take place nearby. The parade was voluntarily rerouted
by organisers to avoid going near the area where the McDaid family live. Around 100
supporters turned out to see the Pride of the Bann who instead

of crossing the Bann Bridge turned up Circular Road. The police presence was low
key and the parade passed off without incident. Earlier the McDaid family said they
were concerned that police were involved in “negotiations” with loyalists on
the day that Mr McDaid was killed. However, Assistant Chief Constable Judith Gillespie
said officers worked to ease tensions and came quickly to his aid. Mr McDaid’s
funeral will take place on Monday at 10am after Requiem Mass at St John’s Church,
Coleraine.

➢ Reports ➢ P4&5

“Having given the matter careful consideration, the Solicitor General cannot say
that the sentences were unduly lenient. “The Court of Appeal has held that an unduly
lenient sentence is one that falls outside the range of sentence that a judge, taking
into account any relevant sentencing guidance and all relevant considerations, could
reasonable consider appropriate,” a statement read. “In the Solicitor General’s
view, the sentences fall within the range of sentence that it was reasonable for
the judge to impose.” The Catholic teenager, pictured, was chased and attacked
by a gang in an alleyway three years ago. He died the following day from head injuries
after being struck with a baseball bat and kicked. Mervyn Moon (20) received a 10-year
tariff after he pleaded guilty to murder and admitted using the bat. Christopher
Kerr (23), who got the bat from his home, was given a 13-year tariff while Jeff Lewis
(20) and Aaron Wallace (21) will both have to serve 11 years before being considered
for release. Last night North Antrim MLA Declan O’Loan, who also recently wrote
to the Attorney General on behalf of the McIlveen family, said he could understand
their disappointment at the decision. “The death of Michael remains something that
is very difficult to come to terms with,” he said. “The family do need, and deserve,
continuing support through this very difficult time.”

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