THE McIlVEEN family expressed their unhappiness with what they said was the leniency of the sentences imposed on the defendants who were convicted in connection with the murder of Michael McIlveen.
Her voice shaking, Michael’s sister Jodie read a statement outside the court. “The McIlveen family are unhappy with the sentences imposed today, which we feel were too lenient. We all believe that life should mean life,” she said.
“Michael lived for 15 years and not one of the defendants will serve this length of time for his death. Whilst every defendant in the case now knows when their life will start again, as a family our lives will never be the same again without Michael,” added Ms McIlveen.
In an earlier impact statement to the court, the victim’s mother Gina said that for anyone to lose a son so suddenly was a “horrendous experience”, but to lose a son in such a “violent manner and the public attention that followed, only magnifies it”.
“I personally have found Michael’s death extremely difficult to deal with. My health suffered and there are times when I have not been able to cope,” she added.
“It has been extremely difficult trying to make any sense of what happened to Michael that night, and it has been a huge desire to know what happened to him that has kept me coming back to court for the trial because at times it’s been difficult to listen to,” said Mrs McIlveen.
She sympathised with the families of those convicted in connection with her son’s murder.
“Michael was a brilliant wee fellow and we were very close. He was happy-go-lucky and always had a big smile,” she said.
“He made me so proud to see the young man he grew into, and I just hope he realises how much we all love and miss him. He is in our thoughts first thing in a morning and last thing at night,” she continued.
Local SDLP Assembly member Declan O’Loan said the sentences were appropriate. “The community in Ballymena responded very responsibly throughout the trial and I believe there is a general feeling now that justice has been seen to be done – that given all the circumstances, the sentences are appropriate for the very serious crime of murder,” he said.
“Everyone is very conscious of the further trauma involved for the McIlveen family in the sentencing announcement, and they deserve the continued support of the whole community,” added Mr O’Loan.