Two men who carried out a “planned assassination” at a Waringstown filling station have been sentenced to at least 24 years in jail.
Earlier this year, 31-year-old Jake O’Brien, from Rectory Road in Lurgan and 30-year-old Andrew Thomas Kenneth Martin, from Bridge Street in Banbridge, were found guilty of murdering 54-year-old Malcolm McKeown, 54, who was shot dead in August 2019.
They were both handed life sentences
Today, O’Brien was told he will serve a minimum of 26 years in prison, while Andrew Martin will serve a minimum of 24 years.
Both defendants were also given indeterminate custodial sentences of 10 years for possession of firearms and ammunition with intent, which will run concurrently.
Detective Inspector Jennifer Rea said: “Malcolm McKeown was 54-years-old when his life was cruelly taken.
“He had gone into a shop at a garage in the Main Street area of Waringstown on the evening of August 19 in 2019, and returned to his car some minutes later.
“It was here, in his car, that he was shot at close range.
Jake O’Brien
“Mr McKeown was shot at least six times in a calculated and cold-blooded execution, which took place in broad daylight.
“His body was found, in his parked car, by two young teenagers who, I’ve no doubt, will have been left scarred by their terrible discovery that evening.”
Detective Inspector Rea continued: “This brutal and targeted attack left an entire community shaken and a family bereft.
“Mr McKeown was a much-loved father of three, who have each since endured further sorrow by the passing of their mother. He was a grandfather, a brother and an uncle.”
The detective added: “Those responsible had one intention – to kill. And they showed no thought for anyone, including children, in the area at that time. Surely, such acts of shocking and senseless violence have no place whatsoever in our society.
“This was a murder, involving the use of firearms, which was pre-planned and organised. I want to be clear that police continue, and will continue, to work tirelessly to investigate and bring those involved in such organised criminality to justice.
Malcolm McKeown murder
“Thanks to our dedicated team, and working in partnership with our colleagues in the Public Prosecution Service, the two defendants have been held accountable for their actions. I’m mindful, however, that Malcolm’s family are left with an ongoing sadness, and will be trying to cope with their loss for the months and years ahead. My thoughts remain with them.”
“I’m keen to thank members of the public, particularly the local communities in Waringstown, Lurgan and the nearby areas, for their invaluable support to our investigation,” said Detective Inspector Rea.
