McGeough convicted of 1981 UDR attack

Offences fall under Good Friday Agreement, says Sinn Féin

Gerry McGeough

THE conviction of Tyrone man Gerry McGeough on Friday 18th February of attempting to kill a UDR soldier in June 1981 has been criticised by Sinn Féin.
Sinn Féin said the offences fell under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement and Gerry McGeough should be released.
Gerry McGeough, who was arrested in 2007, was also convicted of possessing firearms with intent and IRA membership.
His co-accused, Vincent McAnespie, was acquitted of the charges against him.
Sinn Féin MP for Fermanagh/South Tyrone Michelle Gildernew said:
“It is our firm view that this prosecution should not have happened. The offences for which Gerry McGeough was today convicted of fell under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement.
“Had Gerry McGeough been imprisoned at the time of the Good Friday Agreement, he would have qualified for release. It is clear that this is an anomaly that has arisen around some of these historical cases, a fact acknowledged by the British Government some time ago along with a commitment to rectify the situation.
“Gerry McGeough should be released and allowed to return to his family in County Tyrone.”