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25/02/2009
Guilty Verdict For Killers Of Ballymena Schoolboy
The killers of an innocent 15-year-old boy beaten to death in Co Antrim in May 2006 are facing sentence after being found guilty of murder and a series of related offences.
Three Ballymena men have been found guilty of the sectarian murder of the victim, Catholic schoolboy, Michael McIlveen.
Aaron Cavana Wallace, 20, of Moat Road, Christopher Francis Kerr, 22, of Carnduff Drive and Jeff Colin Lewis, 19, Rossdale, were each convicted of murder.
At the end of the high profile trial at Antrim Crown Court, Christopher Andrew McLeister, 18, of Knockeen Crescent in the town, was convicted of manslaughter while Paul Edward David Henson, 18, of Condiere Avenue, was found guilty of affray and criminal damage.
At the start of the trial, Mervyn Wilson Moon, 20, of Douglas Terrace in the town, admitted murdering the schoolboy.
The jury, by direction of the court, had previously cleared Peter Gavin McMullan, now 18, of Meadowvale, of murder after he pleaded guilty to causing criminal damage.
Sentencing in all the cases is due to take place in early April.
Paying tribute to the jury, Mr Justice Treacy thanked the jury for their "remarkable commitment during a long and difficult trial".
See: Teenager Cleared In Ballymena Murder Trial
(BMcC/JM)
Three Ballymena men have been found guilty of the sectarian murder of the victim, Catholic schoolboy, Michael McIlveen.
Aaron Cavana Wallace, 20, of Moat Road, Christopher Francis Kerr, 22, of Carnduff Drive and Jeff Colin Lewis, 19, Rossdale, were each convicted of murder.
At the end of the high profile trial at Antrim Crown Court, Christopher Andrew McLeister, 18, of Knockeen Crescent in the town, was convicted of manslaughter while Paul Edward David Henson, 18, of Condiere Avenue, was found guilty of affray and criminal damage.
At the start of the trial, Mervyn Wilson Moon, 20, of Douglas Terrace in the town, admitted murdering the schoolboy.
The jury, by direction of the court, had previously cleared Peter Gavin McMullan, now 18, of Meadowvale, of murder after he pleaded guilty to causing criminal damage.
Sentencing in all the cases is due to take place in early April.
Paying tribute to the jury, Mr Justice Treacy thanked the jury for their "remarkable commitment during a long and difficult trial".
See: Teenager Cleared In Ballymena Murder Trial
(BMcC/JM)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A mostly cloudy start with scattered showers, the showers becoming more isolated and largely confined to the south this morning. Becoming brighter this afternoon, the best of any sunnier spells across northern counties. Northerly winds easing. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:A dry evening with late sunny spells and some long clear spells overnight. Becoming cloudier across the north towards dawn with a few showers possible. Touch of frost in south. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
