Bond, R. v (Rev1) [2024] NICC 2 (09 January 2024)

The defendant's possession of a homemade, functioning firearm and ammunition with intent to enable others to endanger life or cause serious damage to property, combined with evidence of UDA association and lack of lawful purpose, established beyond reasonable doubt a terrorist connection, aggravating the offence and warranting a custodial sentence of 6 years plus 1 year licence.

Citation: [2024] NICC 2
Parties: Prosecution: The King; Defendant: Bond
Jurisdiction: Northern Ireland
Judgment Date: 09 January 2024
Procedural Posture: Criminal / Sentencing Judgment
Outcome: convicted and sentenced
Legal Topics: Firearms Offences, Terrorist Connection, Sentencing Guidelines

Criminal Law Counter Terrorism Firearms Offences Terrorist Connection Sentencing Guidelines

Case Brief

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Parties

The King

Prosecution

Bond

Defendant

Procedural Posture

Criminal / Sentencing Judgment

Legal Issues

1 Whether possession of a firearm and ammunition was with intent to enable others to endanger life or cause serious damage to property
2 Whether the offence is aggravated by a terrorist connection
3 Appropriate sentence for the offence

Ratio Decidendi

Court Disposition

convicted and sentenced

Orders

Custodial sentence of 6 years imprisonment with an additional 1 year licence period under Article 15A(4) Criminal Justice (NI) Order 2008
Defendant to serve two-thirds of sentence before parole consideration