Man To Serve 15 Years For 2021 Murder Of Stephen Barriskill

A man has been told he will serve a minimum of 15 years in prison before being able to apply for release, for the 2021 murder of Stephen Barriskill.

Barriskill, aged 63, was murdered in his Portadown home on the evening of 26 October 2021.

Having previously been sentenced to life, Connor McNeill appeared before Belfast Crown Court were he told he will serve a minimum of 15 and a half years before being able to apply for release.

Detective Chief Inspector Neil McGuinness said: "Connor McNeill went to police on 27 October 2021, reporting that he had gone to the home of his neighbour, 63-year-old Stephen Barriskill, the previous evening and fatally shot him with a legally held shotgun.

"Officers, who subsequently attended the Portadown address, found Mr Barriskill deceased, having sustained two gunshot wounds to the chest.

"Following consultation with the Pubic Prosecution Service, Connor McNeill was charged with Stephen Barriskill’s murder the next day, 28 October."

Detective Chief Inspector McGuinness continued: "While the investigation has been clear-cut in the fact that the defendant actually presented himself to police, the case is none the less distressing and shocking for all concerned.

"This irreversible and callous act leaves behind a loving family, who continue to grieve. My thoughts, first and foremost, remain with them."