Sentencing due in arms trial

A LURGAN man, who is said to be second in command of the Real IRA, is due to be sentenced tomorrow (Friday) for attempting to run guns and explosives into Northern Ireland.

By The Newsroom

Published 27th Sep 2010, 11:19 BST

Updated 29th Sep 2010, 10:42 BST

Paul Anthony John McCaugherty (44), from Beechcourt, and Dermot Declan Gregory (42), from Crossmaglen, were caught as part of a sting operation carried out by MI5 agents against dissident republicans.

In June, McCaugherty was convicted of seven charges including IRA membership, conspiracy to possess guns and explosives, and using and arranging money for the purposes of terrorism.

His co-accused - said to have been the money man - was convicted of making a restaurant in Portugal available for the purposes of terrorism.

Adrian Colton QC, defending, told Belfast Crown Court judge Mr Justice Hart that McCaugherty’s was an appropriate case for a reduction in sentence, due to entrapment and the delay in dealing with it.

Northern Ireland