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Confessions (Law)

UVF Serial Killer Charged with Conspiracy to Murder Brothers Who Were Shot Dead in 1993

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

A former UVF hitman, Laurence Maguire, has been charged with conspiring to murder brothers Gerard and Rory Cairns, who were shot dead at their family home near Bleary in 1993. Maguire, 62, had previously confessed to an alleged murder plot in a BBC interview in 2019 but has now become tight-lipped ahead of his trial.

The brothers, Gerard (22) and Rory (18), were shot dead by the UVF in October 1993. Maguire was in jail at the time of the murders but was questioned about the allegations and subsequently charged with conspiracy to murder. He is also accused of possessing firearms without a licence.

The trial of Maguire is a significant development for the Cairns family, who have been campaigning for truth and justice for 31 years. The family has welcomed the prosecution, describing it as a "beacon of hope" for other grieving families.

Key Takeaways:

  • Laurence Maguire, a former UVF hitman, has been charged with conspiring to murder brothers Gerard and Rory Cairns in 1993.
  • Maguire had previously confessed to the alleged murder plot in a BBC interview in 2019 but has now become tight-lipped ahead of his trial.
  • The brothers, Gerard (22) and Rory (18), were shot dead by the UVF in October 1993, while Maguire was in jail.
  • Maguire is also accused of possessing a Magnum and .38 handgun without a licence, with intent to endanger life.
  • The Cairns family has welcomed the prosecution, describing it as a "beacon of hope" for other grieving families.
  • The family has been campaigning for truth and justice for 31 years, with Liam Cairns proclaiming his brothers' innocence.
  • The case has elements of double jeopardy, with the defence claiming the matters in court had already been prosecuted.

Statistics:

  • 1993: The year Gerard and Rory Cairns were shot dead by the UVF.
  • 31 years: The length of time the Cairns family has been campaigning for truth and justice.
  • October 1993: The month and year the brothers were murdered.
  • September 1991: The earliest date mentioned in the alleged murder plot, in which all male members of the Cairns family were targeted.
  • 5 murders: The number of murders for which Maguire was jailed in 1994.
  • 62: The age of Laurence Maguire.

Sources:

  • BBC Spotlight: A 2019 interview with Laurence Maguire, in which he confessed to the alleged murder plot.
  • The Guardian: A 2023 article about the prosecution of Laurence Maguire.
  • Belfast Telegraph: A 2023 article about the trial of Laurence Maguire.
  • Public Prosecution Service: A statement about the case against Laurence Maguire.
  • Laganside Magistrates Court: A statement about the preliminary hearing of Laurence Maguire.

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