Two of the four-man gang who pleaded guilty to killing Detective Garda Jerry McCabe have received 14 year sentences. Pearse McCauley and Kevin Walsh had other crimes taken into account by the court in imposing the 14 year sentence for manslaughter.
Jeremiah Sheehy received a 12 year sentence for manslaughter while Michael O'Neill was jailed for 11 years. All four received 5 year sentences for maliciously wounding Detective Garda Ben O'Sullivan and for the possession of fire arms with intent to commit a robbery. All the sentences are to run concurrently. John Quinn who pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit a robbery received a 6 year sentence. The presiding judge, Mr Justice Richard Johnson, complimented the Gardaí on the professionalism of their investigation. He was also critical of the widespread public comment surrounding the reduction of the charges from murder to manslaughter.
Patrick Kearney, the brother-in-law of Detective Garda McCabe, said today that he hopes now the sentences have been handed down, the family will be able to cope with their loss by grieving in private. Detective Garda McCabe's widow, Ann said it was a matter of pride that her husband's colleagues in Limerick never rested until his killers were brought to justice.
The Tipperary farmer, Patrick Harty, who had been jailed for 18 months for contempt in relation to the McCabe case, was released by the court this morning.
