Men acquitted of attempted murder of Co Derry girl

Three Co Derry men have been cleared of the attempted murder of a schoolgirl in Coleraine two years ago.

Three Co Derry men have been cleared of the attempted murder of a schoolgirl in Coleraine two years ago.

Charlene Daly (11), was shot in the back during a gun attack on her home in August 2000.

John Thomas Hazlett (31), from Alexander Road, Limavady; Darren Edward Clarke (21), from Loughanhill Park, Coleraine; and Mr Thomas George Dunbar (37), from Ballygalin Park, Coleraine appeared today at Belfast Crown Court.

Hazlett and Clarke were convicted of possessing the 9 mm submachine gun and 30 bullets used in the shooting.

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Mr Dunbar was cleared of all charges.

Lord Justice Nicholson said that he was of the opinion that it was highly probable Mr Dunbar had been the gunman, but was unable to convict him on the evidence before the court.

Hazlett and Clarke are due to be sentenced in September after pre-sentence reports have been prepared.