Three Men Jailed Over Armed Robbery Plot in Belfast
Three men have been locked up following a Paramilitary Crime Task Force (PCTF) probe. Belfast Crown Court sentenced them on Friday, February 3rd, after a dramatic police sting stopped their armed robbery plan.
Sentences Handed Down
- Michael McMillan, 29, admitted conspiracy to commit robbery, carrying a firearm with intent, and possession of a firearm while banned. He was jailed for nine years, with half on probation.
- Stephen Allen, 25, also pleaded guilty to the same charges. He received an identical sentence: nine years, half on probation.
- Jason McMillan, 32, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit robbery and was sentenced to six years and two months, half on probation.
All sentences will run simultaneously. Each man was slapped with a Serious Crime Prevention Order.
Police Foil Armed Heist in Busy Belfast Shopping Area
“The three men sentenced today were arrested on the morning of Saturday 6th March 2021 after their vehicles were stopped during a targeted police operation into INLA-linked crime,” said Detective Sergeant Crothers from the PSNI’s Paramilitary Crime Task Force.
“Officers found a loaded gun and ammunition. We believe the men planned to rob a cash-in-transit van and would have used the weapon if police hadn’t intervened.”
“This attempted robbery happened at 9am in a busy shopping area and could have ended in tragedy. Our commitment is clear: anyone involved in this sort of serious crime will be found, arrested, and put behind bars.”
