Man found guilty of perverting the course of justice

JOHN Paul McGrath appeared before Laganside Court today, the 30 year old was sentenced to six months, suspended for two years for perverting the course of justice. 

This was following an investigation that began after a mortar device was discovered in Church View, Strabane in September 2019

Detective Chief Inspector Andrew Hamlin said, “McGrath was found guilty for his actions in relation to the prior hijacking of a delivery driver’s car.

“That vehicle was then used to convey an explosive device aimed at the nearby police station and was,without doubt, intended to injure our murder our police officers. These are officers – individuals with families – who are committed to serving the Strabane community.

“This explosive device, found by a resident, was recklessly left in a public area meters away from houses. Families with children and elderly people, were forced to leave the safety and comfort of their homes. Any one of them could have been injured or killed.

“No matter what level of involvement people have with any criminal or terrorist activity, activity, we will investigate and where appropriate, put people before the courts to answer for their actions.

“Our focus remains on keeping people safe against the threat posed by violent groups. Our investigations into his incident is ongoing, and we would strongly urge anyone with information, suspicions or concerns about dangerous and illegal activity in our community to contact us on 101.”

A report can also be made to the police via: www.psni.police.uk/makeareport.