Loyalists given 18-year sentences

Friday 02 April 1993 23:02 BST

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Four Belfast loyalists described by a judge as 'ruthless terrorists bent on wholesale murder' were each jailed for 18 years yesterday. The heavily armed men were spotted by police in a car in a Catholic area of the city on 2 December 1991, Belfast Crown Court was told.

Joseph Coggle, 34, Matthew McMullan, 24, Robert Irwin, 24, and Paul McClelland, 24, had denied conspiracy to murder and possessing weapons with intent to endanger life. Lord Justice Kelly said: 'I am satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that you conspired with each other to commit murder and were ready to do so.'

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Thank you for registering

Loyalists given 18-year sentences

Join our commenting forum

Thank you for registering