Suspect jailed for possessing gun used to kill journalist Lyra McKee
A man has been jailed for seven years for possessing the gun that was used to kill Irish journalist Lyra McKee. Niall Sheerin previously admitted he was in possession of the firearm between September 2018 and June 2020.
McKee was shot dead whilst she watched a riot in Londonderry on 18 April 2019. Sheerin was sentenced to seven years in prison, followed by five years on licence.
The judge Belfast Crown Court believed Sheerin was an associate of a terror gang “who posed a danger to the public.” However, the 29-year-old suspect was not arrested in connection with the murder.
He was sentenced due to the history of the firearm, which has been involved in a number of serious incidents. Sheerin has been charged for possessing a pistol, a magazine, and a number of gun cartridges.
