20YRS FOR ‘CYNICAL & SINISTER’ PIPE BOMB KILL PLOT

Woman’s evil plan to lure officer into an ambush

A WOMAN was jailed yesterday for 20 years over a pipe bomb bid to kill a police officer.

Last month Judge Stephen Fowler found Christine Connor guilty of four offences including attempted murder and possessing explosives with intent to endanger life.

They related to two incidents in North Belfast in May 2013, including an attack on police who were lured to the scene by a bogus 999 call she made claiming to be the victim of domestic violence.

The 35-year-old yesterday appeared at Belfast Crown Court via video link from the women’s prison at Hydebank Wood.

Judge Fowler described the attack on police as both “cynical and sinister” and told the hearing it was an attempt by Connor to “lure police into an ambush”.

He said one of the devices landed at the right foot of a PSNI officer who was “entirely fortuitous to escape with his life” and sustained ringing in his ear, abrasions to his legs and significant post traumatic stress disorder.

Judge Fowler added: “The aim and intentions behind these attacks was to kill police... the devices were effective antipersonnel devices and their planning and deployment were detailed.

“The defendant was the driving force behind the attacks, securing the making of the pipe bombs, the reconnoitre of the attack locations and throwing the bombs.

“In my view she remains a committed dissident republican and nothing has changed. She is still wedded to violence.

“Her pivotal role in these attacks demonstrated a commitment to the dissident republican cause and a willingness to murder to further those ends. She has also shown no remorse.”

Judge Fowler said there were a number of aggravating features in the case, including the fact Connor played a central role by throwing the pipe bombs.

He added that having had “the benefit of seeing and hearing the defendant give evidence and be cross-examined... I found her evasive, argumentative and, when it suited her, refused to answer questions”.

In mitigation, he took into account the North Belfast woman’s ill health, her mental health and clinical obesity which made her vulnerable to contracting Covid-19 in prison.

He concluded by stating that given Connor’s poor health he was imposing a sentence of 20 years in prison, with an additional four years under licence.

Welcoming the sentence, Det Supt Richard Campbell said: “On

YESTERDAY

May 28, 2013, police responded to a 999 call reporting a domestic dispute. This call was made by what appeared to be a very distressed woman.

“Officers were despatched to the address given and when they exited their vehicle two improvised explosive devices were thrown.

TRAUMATISED

“Thankfully neither of the officers were seriously injured, however, they were left extremely traumatised by this horrific experience. It is good fortune that an officer was not killed that night.

“Christine Connor callously made a call for help, pretending that her boyfriend was smashing up the house. She exploited an all too familiar situation that numerous people find themselves in – domestic abuse.

“The officers were responding to what they believed was a woman in fear of an abusive partner. They never expected to be the victims of an attempted murder bid that day when they left their homes to come on duty.

“Their primary focus was on keeping people safe and coming to the assistance of those in most need.

“Thankfully they got to go back home to their loved ones that day.

“Today’s sentencing is the result of excellent joint working between the PSNI and West Midlands Counter Terrorism Unit and other UK police services.

“I would like to thank all officers who were involved in bringing Christine Connor to

justice. Thankfully she is now in prison paying the price for her crimes.”

However, the Police Federation for Northern Ireland called for an urgent review of sentencing guidelines.

Chair Mark Lindsay added: “Connor was given a 20-year sentence but with time served on remand and parole, she may only actually serve eight years.

“This is not a sentence which wholly reflects the impact of her crimes on the victims.

“The Executive should act to correct this situation, to at least bring us into line with England and Wales where the attempted murder of a police officer would attract a more substantial period

Gloves at scene in North Belfast