A 29-year-old man has been sentenced to seven years in prison for possessing the gun used to kill journalist Lyra McKee.
Niall Sheerin appeared before Laganside Court today and was sentenced to seven years having plead guilty to possessing a firearm and ammunition.
29 year old Lyra McKee died after being shot in the Creggan area of Derry on 18th April 2019.
Niall Sheerin was also given an extended sentence after a finding of dangerousness for a period of five years.
Police say the firearm had a significant history of being used in a series of shootings across Derry and was the weapon used in Lyra’s murder.
Sheerin will also be subject to terrorist notification requirements under the Terrorism Act for the next 15 years.
Detectives have also issued a renewed appeal for information and Crimestoppers, who are independent of the police, has offered an increased reward of up to £20,000 for anonymous information it receives that leads to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for Lyra’s murder.
Detective Superintendent Eamonn Corrigan said police’s investigation into Lyra’s murder, as demonstrated by today’s sentencing, is very much active.
He appealed for anyone with information to contact Crimestoppers anonymously directly on Freephone 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.
