Menu
03/08/2001
Loyalist group claim responsibility for stab attack on sexton
It has been revealed that loyalist paramilitary group the Red Hand Defenders are behind an attack on a Carnmoney sexton only hours before murdered teenager Gavin Brett was laid to rest at the church.
The incident happened at Carnmoney Parish Church on Wednesday 1 August, not long before the funeral of the 18-year-old Protestant, who was murdered in north Belfast. The sexton was alerted to a number of individuals acting suspiciously in the grounds of the church, and when he went to investigate, he was attacked by two men. The clergyman sustained stab wounds, and was taken to hospital.
The Red Hand Defenders, a cover name that has been used in the past for the Ulster Defence Association and the Loyalist Volunteer Force, said it carried out the assault, which followed only days after they claimed responsibility for the death of Gavin Brett in a drive-by shooting on Sunday 28 July.
A private service was held in the family's home in Glengormley before the funeral cortege travelled to Carnmoney Parish Church. In a poignant gesture the funeral cavalcade passed the spot where Gavin was shot. The ceremony was attended by hundreds of teenagers from both sides who came to pay their respects. (CL)
The incident happened at Carnmoney Parish Church on Wednesday 1 August, not long before the funeral of the 18-year-old Protestant, who was murdered in north Belfast. The sexton was alerted to a number of individuals acting suspiciously in the grounds of the church, and when he went to investigate, he was attacked by two men. The clergyman sustained stab wounds, and was taken to hospital.
The Red Hand Defenders, a cover name that has been used in the past for the Ulster Defence Association and the Loyalist Volunteer Force, said it carried out the assault, which followed only days after they claimed responsibility for the death of Gavin Brett in a drive-by shooting on Sunday 28 July.
A private service was held in the family's home in Glengormley before the funeral cortege travelled to Carnmoney Parish Church. In a poignant gesture the funeral cavalcade passed the spot where Gavin was shot. The ceremony was attended by hundreds of teenagers from both sides who came to pay their respects. (CL)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
19 March 2024
Appeal Following Petrol Bomb Attack In Banbridge
The PSNI have issued an appeal for information following a petrol bomb attack in Banbridge, in the early hours of Tuesday 19th March. It was reported that at around 2.10am on Tuesday morning, two petrol bombs were thrown at the back wall of a house in the Castlewellan Road area, causing scorch damage to the wall and a window frame.
Appeal Following Petrol Bomb Attack In Banbridge
The PSNI have issued an appeal for information following a petrol bomb attack in Banbridge, in the early hours of Tuesday 19th March. It was reported that at around 2.10am on Tuesday morning, two petrol bombs were thrown at the back wall of a house in the Castlewellan Road area, causing scorch damage to the wall and a window frame.
05 February 2024
Man Arrested After Using Van To Attack Police Officers
The PSNI has condemned an incident in which a man used a van to repeatedly ram a police patrol car and attempted to run over an officer in Newry on Saturday, 03 February. Shortly after 11:20pm, officers on patrol approached a man standing beside a white Peugeot van in the Castlekeele Estate area.
Man Arrested After Using Van To Attack Police Officers
The PSNI has condemned an incident in which a man used a van to repeatedly ram a police patrol car and attempted to run over an officer in Newry on Saturday, 03 February. Shortly after 11:20pm, officers on patrol approached a man standing beside a white Peugeot van in the Castlekeele Estate area.
16 April 2024
Appeal Following Arson Attack In South Belfast
The PSNI have issued an appeal for information and witnesses following an arson attack at a property in south Belfast. At approximately 10.20pm on Saturday, 13 April, police received a report of a fire at a house in the Kilburn Street area. Police attended the scene alongside the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service.
Appeal Following Arson Attack In South Belfast
The PSNI have issued an appeal for information and witnesses following an arson attack at a property in south Belfast. At approximately 10.20pm on Saturday, 13 April, police received a report of a fire at a house in the Kilburn Street area. Police attended the scene alongside the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service.
10 April 2024
Man And Woman Jailed For 'Brutal And Senseless Attack'
The PSNI have welcomed the sentencing of two people at Laganside Crown Court for a range of offences including grievous bodily harm with intent, threats to kill, common assault and possession of an offensive weapon. 26-year-old Dylan Black, from the Lisburn area, was sentenced to seven years in prison. He will serve three years on license.
Man And Woman Jailed For 'Brutal And Senseless Attack'
The PSNI have welcomed the sentencing of two people at Laganside Crown Court for a range of offences including grievous bodily harm with intent, threats to kill, common assault and possession of an offensive weapon. 26-year-old Dylan Black, from the Lisburn area, was sentenced to seven years in prison. He will serve three years on license.
28 March 2024
Investigation Launches Into South Belfast Arson Attack
South Belfast PSNI have issued an appeal for information following an arson attack at a commercial premises in the Diamond Gardens area of Finaghy, in the early hours of Thursday 28th March.
Investigation Launches Into South Belfast Arson Attack
South Belfast PSNI have issued an appeal for information following an arson attack at a commercial premises in the Diamond Gardens area of Finaghy, in the early hours of Thursday 28th March.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Dry with clear skies this evening. Patchy cloud will increase at times overnight, but some clear spells too. Light winds and some patchy shallow mist or fog towards dawn. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
