A Portadown man will spend the next 15 and a half years behind bars for the murder of Stephen Barriskill on the outskirts of the Co Armagh town in 2021.
Connor Lawrence McNeill, 55, from Whitesides Hill appeared before Belfast Crown Court today, Friday, October 13, having pleaded guilty to the murder of his neighbour at an earlier hearing.
Mr Barriskill, aged 63, was murdered in his Portadown home on the evening of October 26, 2021.
McNeill, who was previously sentenced to life, was told he will serve a minimum of 15 and a half years before being able to apply for release.
Detective Chief Inspector Neil McGuinness said: “Connor McNeill went to police on October 27, 2021, reporting that he had gone to the home of his neighbour, 63-year-old Stephen Barriskill, the previous evening and fatally shot him with a legally held shotgun.
“Officers, who subsequently attended the Portadown address, found Mr Barriskill deceased, having sustained two gunshot wounds to the chest.
“Following consultation with the Pubic Prosecution Service, Connor McNeill was charged with Stephen Barriskill’s murder the next day, October 28.”
Detective Chief Inspector McGuinness continued: “While the investigation has been clear-cut in the fact that the defendant actually presented himself to police, the case is none the less distressing and shocking for all concerned.
“This irreversible and callous act leaves behind a loving family, who continue to grieve. My thoughts, first and foremost, remain with them.”
Related: Man pleads guilty to murder of Stephen Barriskill in Portadown
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