TUV Leader Jim Allister has described the 4 year prison sentence (plus 2 years on licence) imposed on Gavin Coyle as pitifully low and no deterrent to those involved in terrorism.
“To see an avowed terrorist, who admitted IRA membership and who has previous terrorist convictions, sentenced to a mere 4 years for this murderous attack, which caused permanent disfiguring injuries and which involved the intent to kill, is pathetic.
“I am calling on the DPP to refer this sentence to the Court of Appeal as being unduly lenient.
“Our courts must get real and hand out sentences to both fit the crime and provide strong deterrence to others. This sentence falls woefully short of what is required.”