Gangster's Right-Hand Man Jailed for Assaulting Police Officers

Hugh Boyce, the former right-hand man of murdered gangster Malcolm McKeown, has been handed a 10-month prison sentence for assaulting four police officers. The 35-year-old had previously been jailed for two years in 2019 for arson attacks at the homes of serving cops. Boyce had fallen out with McKeown prior to his murder in a turf feud and had been involved in a campaign of intimidation against police officers.

Key Takeaways:

• Hugh Boyce, the right-hand man of Malcolm McKeown, has been sentenced to 10 months in prison for assaulting four police officers.
• Boyce had previously been jailed for two years in 2019 for arson attacks at the homes of serving cops.
• The incident occurred on December 14 last year, when police found Boyce hiding in a shed outside a property in Mountnorris, Co Armagh.
• Boyce became aggressive and attacked the officers, making threats to burn their houses out and refusing to answer police questions.
• The defence lawyer described the incident as "a disgraceful episode" and said Boyce was "no stranger to custody".
• District Judge Michael Ranaghan imposed 10 months' jail for the assault charge, and ordered other lesser sentences to be served concurrently.
• Boyce had previously admitted to being involved in a campaign of intimidation against police officers with McKeown.
• Boyce had fallen out with McKeown prior to his murder in a turf feud.
• Boyce had previously broken all links with McKeown in 2016 after being arrested for arson attacks.

Statistics:

• The police found Hugh Boyce hiding in a shed outside a property in Mountnorris, Co Armagh on December 14 last year.
• Four police officers were assaulted by Hugh Boyce, including one who suffered actual bodily harm.
• Peggy O'Hare of The Irish News reported that Malcolm McKeown had been murdered in a turf feud by members of a rival crime gang known as the Firm.
• 10 months' jail was imposed on Boyce for the assault charge.
• 35-year-old Hugh Boyce was jailed for two years in 2019 for arson attacks at the homes of serving cops.
• Boyce was named in court as the second-in-command of a Co Armagh crime gang led by Malcolm McKeown.

Sources:

• Sunday Life (2021): Hugh Boyce's interview where he reveals his belief that Malcolm McKeown was a police informant.
• The Irish News: Malcolm McKeown was murdered in a turf feud by members of a rival crime gang known as the Firm.