Loyalist thug David Bond jailed
It follows his conviction for the offences of possessing a firearm and ammunition with intent to endanger life or cause serious damage to property or to enable another person to endanger life or cause serious damage to property.
David Bond, 52, from Limavady, was convicted after he pleaded guilty to the offences following re-arraignment on Tuesday, April 24, 2023 at Belfast Crown Court.
The offences arose out of a police search at his home in Anderson Park, Limavady, in November 2021 during which a functioning homemade shotgun and cartridges were found in a garden shed.
A number of other items including UDA badges, flags and plaques were also seized.
Regarding a terrorist connection, Belfast Recorder Judge Patricia Smyth said both the UDA items found in Bond’s home – and his attendance at two loyalist band parades where he marched behind a colour party wearing paramilitary-style clothing and carrying UDA plaques – was relevant.
Saying there was “no lawful purpose” for possessing the firearm, Judge Smyth added: “In all of the circumstances, the only reasonable inference is that the offence has a terrorist connection.”
Bond will serve at least four years in prison before he is eligible to apply for parole and, upon release, he will be subject to licence for a period of 12 months.
Detective Inspector Lavery said: “This case exemplifies the ramifications that exist for those who involve themselves with dangerous weapons and criminality.
“This investigation, by detectives in Causeway Coast & Glens, removed a dangerous weapon and individual from our local streets and prevented any harm being caused to our community as a result.
“I would encourage anyone with information that could help police tackle criminality of any kind in the district to get in touch with us.”
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