PFNI calls for urgent review of sentencing guidelines
The Police Federation for Northern Ireland (PFNI) is calling for an urgent review of sentencing guidelines following the conviction of Christine Connor for the attempted murder of an officer and causing an explosion.
Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) officers had responded to a 999 call from 35-year-old Connor who claimed she was the victim of domestic abuse. But when they arrived at the address given two improvised explosive devices were thrown at them.
The officers were not seriously injured in the incident, but Connor was arrested and was eventually found guilty of attempted murder, two counts of causing an explosion and one count of preparation of terrorist acts.
At Laganside Crown Court today (August 24) Connor was given an extended custodial sentence of 24 years – 20 years of which will be served in prison with an extension period of four years under licence.
She also received concurrent sentences for causing explosions and other offences.
However, PFNI chair Mark Lindsay said with time served on remand and parole, “she may only actually serve eight years”.
He said: “This is not a sentence which wholly reflects the impact of her crimes on the victims. The Executive should act to correct this situation, to at least bring us into line with England and Wales where the attempted murder of a police officer would attract a more substantial period of imprisonment.
“An urgent and realistic review of sentencing guidelines is needed to reassurance officers that those who set out to murder or maim them will be adequately punished.”
Mr Lindsay added: “I spoke to one of the officers involved in this callous and cowardly attack today and seven years on, he is still extremely traumatised. Connor showed no remorse and didn’t plead guilty, which meant the victims of her crimes had to relive the day she tried to murder them in court.
“We have to have real and effective sentencing to protect the very people who safeguard and protect society.
“Thankfully, this dangerous terrorist is out of circulation, but the time she will serve behind bars, in my view, does not reflect the seriousness of her crimes and the impact it has had on my colleagues”.
Detective Superintendent Richard Campbell, of the PSNI’s Serious Crime Branch, said Connor had exploited “an all too familiar situation that numerous people find themselves in – domestic abuse”.
He said: “On May 28, 2013, police responded to a ‘999’ call reporting a domestic dispute. This call was made by what appeared to be a very distressed woman. Officers were dispatched to the address given and when they exited their vehicle two improvised explosive devices were thrown.
“Thankfully neither of the officers were seriously injured, however, they were left extremely traumatised by this horrific experience. It is good fortune that an officer was not killed that night.
Det Supt Campbell added: “Christine Connor callously made a call for help, pretending that her boyfriend was ‘smashing up the house’.
“The officers were responding to what they believed was a woman in fear of an abusive partner. They never expected to be the victims of an attempted murder bid that day when they left their homes to come on duty. Their primary focus was on keeping people safe and coming to the assistance of those in most need.
“Thankfully they got to go back home to their loved ones that day.
“Today’s sentencing is the result of excellent joint working between the PSNI and West Midlands Counter Terrorism Unit and other UK police services. I would like to thank all officers who were involved in bringing Christine Connor to justice.
“Thankfully she is now in prison paying the price for her crimes.”
