Damien Duffy and Shea Reynolds: Dungannon and Lurgan pair given lengthy jail terms for New IRA terrorist offences
Two dangerous dissident republicans from Co Armagh and Co Tyrone have been handed jail sentences totalling 24 years after they placed a “simple yet effective” wildlife camera in the driveway of a retired police officer’s home.
Jailing Damien Duffy and Shea Reynolds at Belfast Crown Court on Friday (December 19), Judge Patricia Smyth highlighted that putting a camera on the driveway of the retired officer’s home had the sole purpose of monitoring his movements “with a view to targeting him in a future attack upon his life”.
"On the specific facts of this case, I reject, as reasonable possibilities, less sinister motives with lower levels of intended harm, suggested by the defence such as propaganda, intimidation, operational vetting and recruitment,” she told the court.
The Recorder of Belfast added that the fact the “simple yet effective” wildlife camera had been tested before being deployed at the home of Mr X, suggested that an attack on the retired officer “was in close proximity”.
At the end of their Diplock, non-jury trial, 56-year-old Duffy, from Westclare Court in Dungannon and 31-year-old Reynolds, from Kilwilkie Walk in Lurgan, were convicted of a total of six charges including two charges each of preparation of terrorist acts and possessing articles for use in terrorism.
The pair were also convicted of single counts of collecting and attempting to collect information likely to be of use in terrorism, all committed between September 3 to 21, 2016.
Duffy was handed a 12-and-a-half year jail sentence while Reynolds was sentenced to 11-and a half years in jail.
The judge explained that she was making a distinction as Duffy has a similar, previous conviction from 30 years ago, demonstrating that he was a “committed” dissident republican.
Judge Smyth said that given the offences and the background to the case, she was satisfied that both Duffy and Reynolds met the criteria to be assessed as dangerous offenders.
As such, the judge said she had considered whether sentences of life imprisonment or indeterminate sentences were appropriate but that ultimately, she would deal with them by way of Extended Custodial Sentences.
It will be a matter for the parole commissioners when the pair are released, and under what licence conditions.
In addition to the jail sentences, both Duffy and Reynolds will be subject to an extra five years of supervised licence conditions.
The two defendants were also made the subject of terrorist notification requirements for 30 years following their release from custody.
In a statement issued after the sentencing hearing, Detective Superintendent Moutray, from the Police Service of Northern Ireland's Terrorism Investigation Unit, said the case outcome “follows a lengthy inquiry” conducted by detectives investigating the deployment of a wildlife camera at locations in counties Tyrone and Armagh in September 2016.
"This activity was conducted on behalf of the New IRA, with the sole intention of gathering information which could be used by terrorists to conduct an attack.
"Officers, conducting a surveillance operation on suspected members and associates of the New IRA, observed Duffy and Reynolds placing a wildlife camera in the Annaghone Road area of Stewartstown on September 4, 2016. The pair then returned a few days later to remove the camera,” said the senior PSNI officer.
"Chillingly, they then deployed this camera at the driveway of the home address of a retired police officer on September 14. This was intended to capture the retired officer’s movements – an action in keeping with a prelude to an attack.
"Our officers removed the camera for examination, replacing it with a ‘dummy’ camera. Duffy and Reynolds returned to the address several days later in an attempt to recover their camera, unaware it had been replaced. Examination of the camera showed images attributed to both defendants, as well as a forensic link to Reynolds.
"On September 21, 2016, both men were arrested and subsequently charged to court.”
Det Supt Moutray said this is not the first time the two defendants have come to the attention of the police.
"Duffy has previous terrorist related convictions from 1993, when he was convicted of the false imprisonment and assault of an off-duty UDR soldier, as well as attempting to elicit information useful to terrorists from the injured party.
"This activity was conducted on behalf of the IRA. At that time he was sentenced to five years’ imprisonment.
"Reynolds, although never having been convicted of any similar prior offending, is currently awaiting trial for his suspected involvement in terrorist-related activity. Here, as part of Op Arbacia, police carried out an investigation in 2020 into meetings held by suspected members of the New IRA leadership.”
The senior detective stressed the PSNI would continue to tackle terrorism.
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Det Supt Moutray continued: “We remain totally committed to investigating and disrupting terrorist activity. Our aim will always be to protect communities and keep people safe from harm, and we will continue, with your support, to tackle those intent on bringing violence to our doorstep.
"Terrorist organisations offer nothing to communities except fear and control. I’m keen to encourage anyone with information, or indeed concerns, around potential terrorist activity in their community to contact us on 101.”
Police reminded members of the public there are various ways to get in touch with them with information.
A report can also be made using the online reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport. Alternatively, information can be provided to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org