The Five Demands

McGeough ha assistito inerme in video conferenza da Maghaberry, alla lettura della sentenza per il tentato omicidio di un soldato UDR risalente a 30 anni fa. Condanna a 20 di reclusione

Leggendo le proprie osservazioni presso la Belfast Crown Court, il giudice Stephens ha sottolineato come Gerard McGeough non abbia dimostrato alcun rimorso per il reato commesso.
“Lei stesso percepisce di essere un leader, anche se in quella direzione c’è un elemento di disprezzo narcisistica per gli altri, tra cui il disprezzo per i tuoi compagni nell’IRA”.
“Lei ha elevato le tue opinioni politiche e punti di vista sulla democrazia, lo Stato di Diritto l’esistenza e l’integrità fisica del signor Brush”, ha detto il giudice.
Imponendo la dura condanna a 20 anni di reclusione, il giudice ha voluto indirizzare un chiaro messaggio “non importa quanto a lungo sia trascorso il tempo”, che “la pena sarà imposta” una volta essere stati consegnati alla giustizia”.
Parlando fuori dal tribunale, la vittima designata Samuel John Brush, ora consigliere DUP, ha sottolineato la componente ‘deterrente’ della sentenza.
“Credo in tutta onestà, che abbiate avuto modo di verificare che il messaggio che esce forte e chiaro alle persone che si rietiene siano coinvolti in attività terroristiche, è che presto o tardi saranno costrette a pagarne il prezzo – penso che questo abbia dimostrato che si non può sfuggire alla giustizia per sempre “.
Gerard McGeough è stato anche ritenuto colpevole dell’accusa di possesso di armi e di appartenenza all’IRA nel periodo tra gennaio 1975 e giugno 1981.

McGeough to serve 20 yrs for soldier shooting (UTV)
Leading republican and one-time teacher Terence Gerard McGeough appeared in Belfast Crown Court, via videolink from Maghabarry, and sat impassively with his arms folded throughout as Mr Justice Stephens delivered his damning sentencing remarks.
He told McGeough, who has expressed no remorse for shooting Samuel John Brush in June 1981: “You perceive yourself to be a leader, though there is an element in that leadership of narcissistic disdain for others, including disdain for your fellow recruits to the IRA.
“You elevated your political opinions and views over democracy, the rule of law the existence and bodily integrity of Mr Brush,” said the judge.
Mr Justice Stephens said it was only because of Mr Brush’s “enormous personal reserves of courage” that his murderous attack was thwarted at the isolated farmhouse just north of Aughnacloy.
In imposing the 20-year jail term, the judge told McGeough there must be a clear message “that no matter how long is the time that elapses” that “punishment will be imposed” once they have been brought to justice.”
Speaking outside the court Mr Brush, who is currently a DUP councillor in Ballygawley, echoed the judge’s sentiments.
“I think that the deterrent part of the sentence is very very necessary to prevent other people from getting involved.
“I think in all honesty you have got to make sure that the message goes out loud and clear to people who would consider getting involved in terrorism that sooner or leter they are going to have to pay the price – I think this has shown that you cannot escape justice forever.”
Following a seven month trial between March and November last year McGeough, from the Carrycastle Road, Gortmerron in Dungannon was convicted of attempting to murder part-time UDR soldier Samuel Brush in June 1981 as he delivered a letter to the farmhouse.
He was also convicted of possessing the two guns used in the attack and on two counts of being a member of the IRA on dates between January 1975 and June 1981.