Detectives from the PSNI’s Serious Crime Branch have welcomed jail sentences imposed on two Derry men following the recovery of a semi automatic rifle and an explosive substance in the city two and a half years ago.
The semi-automatic rifle recovered by police.
Mark Anthony Kerr (26), from Abercorn Road and Tony Michael Taylor (45), from Carranbane Walk in Shantallow, were jailed at Belfast Crown Court for a total of 14 years.
Taylor for was jailed for eight years, five of which will be spent on licence, for possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life.
Kerr was given a six year jail term, three and half which will be spent on licence, for having a firearm with intent to endanger life and possession of explosives under suspicious circumstances,
Both men were arrested after police stopped a car being driven by Kerr in the Abercorn Road area on 2 August, 2011.
Following a search of the vehicle, police recovered a semi-automatic rifle and a length of detonator cord.
Taylor was located close to where the car had been stopped.
Police believe the items were intended to be used in a dissident republican attack.
A spokesman for Serious Crime Branch welcomed the jail terms.
He said: “We should all be thankful that those in possession of these items were prevented from using them.
“Police will continue to combat the threat posed by dissident individuals and groups who plan to use violence to further their agendas.
“We would encourage people in the community to continue to work with us to reduce the threat posed by such reckless individuals so that we can bring them before the courts.”