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01/06/2023
Man And Woman Sentenced Following Paramilitary Task Force Investigation
A man and woman have been sentenced in connection with possession of criminal property and drug-related offences.
Mark Magown, aged 43, was sentenced to 28 months - 10 months to be served in custody and 18 months on licence.
Julie-Anne Knell, aged 46, was given a sentence of just over 22 months, suspended for two years.
The sentences follow an investigation by the Paramilitary Task Force (PCTF) into the organised criminality of the West Belfast UDA.
Officers from the PCTF, accompanied by the Police Service’s Tactical Support Group, carried out searches of two properties in County Down in October 2019.
Speaking on the cases Detective Sergeant Pyper said: "Searches of properties, one in Bangor and one in Millisle, took place on 22 October 2019.
"The latter search uncovered a quantity of cocaine and cannabis, with a collective estimated street value of around £65,000. Various drug-related paraphernalia and fireworks were also seized, along with cash totally just over £16,000.
"Earlier this year, as a result of a PCTF proceeds of crime investigation, Belfast Magistrates' Court awarded the forfeiture of this money, £16,100 in total, in favour of the Police Service."
"We, along with our partner organisations, remain committed to pursuing those groups who make a living from crime. These people exercise a regime of violence and control, bringing nothing but harm to their own communities. They don’t care about the devastating effects of illegal drugs; and they care nothing for the lives and relationships broken along the way.
"I’m grateful for the support of the local community and would encourage anyone with information, or concerns, to contact us on 101."
Mark Magown, aged 43, was sentenced to 28 months - 10 months to be served in custody and 18 months on licence.
Julie-Anne Knell, aged 46, was given a sentence of just over 22 months, suspended for two years.
The sentences follow an investigation by the Paramilitary Task Force (PCTF) into the organised criminality of the West Belfast UDA.
Officers from the PCTF, accompanied by the Police Service’s Tactical Support Group, carried out searches of two properties in County Down in October 2019.
Speaking on the cases Detective Sergeant Pyper said: "Searches of properties, one in Bangor and one in Millisle, took place on 22 October 2019.
"The latter search uncovered a quantity of cocaine and cannabis, with a collective estimated street value of around £65,000. Various drug-related paraphernalia and fireworks were also seized, along with cash totally just over £16,000.
"Earlier this year, as a result of a PCTF proceeds of crime investigation, Belfast Magistrates' Court awarded the forfeiture of this money, £16,100 in total, in favour of the Police Service."
"We, along with our partner organisations, remain committed to pursuing those groups who make a living from crime. These people exercise a regime of violence and control, bringing nothing but harm to their own communities. They don’t care about the devastating effects of illegal drugs; and they care nothing for the lives and relationships broken along the way.
"I’m grateful for the support of the local community and would encourage anyone with information, or concerns, to contact us on 101."
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