Menu
20/11/2017
Man To Serve At Least 13 Years For Laundrette Murder
The murderer of Marion Millican, Fred McClenaghan, has been sentenced to a minimum of 13 years in prison.
The Magherafelt man, aged 56, pleaded guilty to murdering the mother-of-four.
The PSNI described him as a very "callous and dangerous" man.
Detective Superintendent Jason Murphy, from PSNI's Serious Crime Branch, said: "He walked into the laundrette where Marion worked and murdered her in cold blood while she was on her lunch break. Before killing his ex-girlfriend he terrorised her and a colleague by threatening them with his shotgun. When Marion refused to go outside and speak to him he fired a shot into the floor to intimidate her.
"Marion's terrified colleague managed to escape the laundrette but sadly Marion died at the scene from gunshot wounds to her chest.
"Frederick McClenaghan inflicted further pain and suffering on the Millican family by subjecting them to a total of three trials after successfully appealing his unanimous murder conviction on two occasions. During the third trial in September this year - and after more than six years - he finally admitted his guilt.
"However, he has never given the Millican family the courtesy of an explanation as to why he killed Marion.
"Throughout 14 police interviews he maintained his right to silence and while this was his right, I believe he had a moral responsibility to explain his actions to Marion’s family.
"This is an extremely sad case, and first and foremost today our sympathies go to Marion’s children, husband, grandchildren, wider family circle and her friends, who continue to come to terms with her death. Frederick McClenaghan has rightfully been sentenced to life in prison, however Marion’s family have themselves been consigned to a life-long sentence as a result of his callous and cold blooded act.
"Detectives and prosecutors worked tirelessly to get justice for Marion's murder and today brings closure for the police service and the Public Prosecution Service. But the family will never get closure. The guilty plea and today's sentencing is the very least that they deserve."
(CD/MH)
The Magherafelt man, aged 56, pleaded guilty to murdering the mother-of-four.
The PSNI described him as a very "callous and dangerous" man.
Detective Superintendent Jason Murphy, from PSNI's Serious Crime Branch, said: "He walked into the laundrette where Marion worked and murdered her in cold blood while she was on her lunch break. Before killing his ex-girlfriend he terrorised her and a colleague by threatening them with his shotgun. When Marion refused to go outside and speak to him he fired a shot into the floor to intimidate her.
"Marion's terrified colleague managed to escape the laundrette but sadly Marion died at the scene from gunshot wounds to her chest.
"Frederick McClenaghan inflicted further pain and suffering on the Millican family by subjecting them to a total of three trials after successfully appealing his unanimous murder conviction on two occasions. During the third trial in September this year - and after more than six years - he finally admitted his guilt.
"However, he has never given the Millican family the courtesy of an explanation as to why he killed Marion.
"Throughout 14 police interviews he maintained his right to silence and while this was his right, I believe he had a moral responsibility to explain his actions to Marion’s family.
"This is an extremely sad case, and first and foremost today our sympathies go to Marion’s children, husband, grandchildren, wider family circle and her friends, who continue to come to terms with her death. Frederick McClenaghan has rightfully been sentenced to life in prison, however Marion’s family have themselves been consigned to a life-long sentence as a result of his callous and cold blooded act.
"Detectives and prosecutors worked tirelessly to get justice for Marion's murder and today brings closure for the police service and the Public Prosecution Service. But the family will never get closure. The guilty plea and today's sentencing is the very least that they deserve."
(CD/MH)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
12 February 2024
22-Year-Old Man Jailed For Rape At Laganside Crown Court
A 22-year-old man has been sentenced to six years for rape at Laganside Crown Court. Ahmad Alsbaihi was sentenced to six years. He will serve three years in custody and three years on licence. He will be placed on the Sex Offenders Register and will be subject to a Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO) for 10 years.
22-Year-Old Man Jailed For Rape At Laganside Crown Court
A 22-year-old man has been sentenced to six years for rape at Laganside Crown Court. Ahmad Alsbaihi was sentenced to six years. He will serve three years in custody and three years on licence. He will be placed on the Sex Offenders Register and will be subject to a Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO) for 10 years.
25 April 2024
Other News In Brief
22-Year-Old Sentenced For 'Behaviour Likely To Stir Up Hatred' A 22-year-old man has been sentenced to 240 hours of community service for the offence of 'behaviour likely to stir up hatred', after a video was posted online in June 2023, showing people singing an offensive song relating to Michaela McAreavey.
Other News In Brief
22-Year-Old Sentenced For 'Behaviour Likely To Stir Up Hatred' A 22-year-old man has been sentenced to 240 hours of community service for the offence of 'behaviour likely to stir up hatred', after a video was posted online in June 2023, showing people singing an offensive song relating to Michaela McAreavey.
13 March 2024
First And Deputy First Minister To Celebrate St Patrick's Day In US
The First and Deputy First Minister will travel to the United States this week for a series of St Patrick's Day engagements in Washington DC. The visit will focus on showcasing the local economy and develop key relationships and networks across the U.S. Ministers will attend the NI Bureau Breakfast, Ireland Funds Gala, a meeting with the U.S.
First And Deputy First Minister To Celebrate St Patrick's Day In US
The First and Deputy First Minister will travel to the United States this week for a series of St Patrick's Day engagements in Washington DC. The visit will focus on showcasing the local economy and develop key relationships and networks across the U.S. Ministers will attend the NI Bureau Breakfast, Ireland Funds Gala, a meeting with the U.S.
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.
13 February 2024
Additional £1m To Be Invested In Road Maintenance
An additional £1 million is to be invested in road maintenance with a focus on addressing the pothole problem, Infrastructure Minister John O'Dowd has announced. The additional funding will be spent on addressing the issue before the end of this financial year.
Additional £1m To Be Invested In Road Maintenance
An additional £1 million is to be invested in road maintenance with a focus on addressing the pothole problem, Infrastructure Minister John O'Dowd has announced. The additional funding will be spent on addressing the issue before the end of this financial year.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:There will be a mixture of bright intervals and a few showers. Best of the sunny spells will be near the North Coast. Feeling on the cool side. Maximum temperature 10 °C.Tonight:Showers will gradually die out during the evening. A cold night with long clear spells leading to a touch of frost in places. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
