Gabriel Meehan, a 45-year-old man, was sentenced today by Belfast Crown Court after previously pleading guilty to terrorism-related charges. His actions were linked to an attack on Enniskillen Police Station, security alerts in March 2021, and the discovery of an improvised firearm.

Meehan received a 30-month custodial sentence, with eligibility for release after serving two-thirds of his term. The Continuity IRA claimed responsibility for the attack on Enniskillen Police Station.

Detective Superintendent Griffin, head of the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s Terrorism Investigation Unit, emphasised the thoroughness of the investigation. Detectives probed four bomb threats reported via media outlets in 2021.

During searches, authorities found a suspicious object in the Lough Shore Path area near Riverside on March 17, 2021. The object turned out to be an improvised shotgun-type weapon, containing a spent 12-gauge shotgun cartridge. The residue indicated recent discharge.

Further investigation led to Meehan’s residence, where police discovered incriminating evidence. Among the items recovered was a phone containing a vehicle registration number associated with a British Army member. Additionally, photos of the improvised shotgun-type weapon found in the Lough Shore Path area were recovered.

Meehan was arrested in May 2021 and charged with terrorism-related offences. Earlier this year, he pleaded guilty to collecting information likely to be useful to terrorists.

Detective Superintendent Griffin reaffirmed the commitment of the Terrorism Investigation Unit to safeguarding communities and preventing violence. Anyone with information or concerns is encouraged to contact the police at 101.