Three men sentenced at Belfast Crown Court following PCTF investigation

Three individuals, Michael McMillan (29), Stephen Allen (25), and Jason McMillan (32), were sentenced to custodial terms at Belfast Crown Court on Friday, 3rd February. The three men were found guilty of conspiracy to commit robbery, carrying a firearm with intent to commit an indictable offence, and possession of a firearm and ammunition whilst prohibited.

Michael McMillan was sentenced to nine years in custody, with half to be served on licence, while Stephen Allen received the same sentence. Jason McMillan was sentenced to six years and two months in custody, also with half to be served on licence.

In addition, all three sentences will run concurrently and a Serious Crime Prevention Order has been imposed on each individual.

Detective Sergeant Crothers from the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s Paramilitary Crime Task Force stated that the three men were arrested on 6th March 2021 after their vehicles were stopped and searched during a proactive policing operation in West Belfast. A loaded firearm and ammunition were recovered, and it is believed that the men were intending to rob a cash-in-transit van.

Sergeant Crothers emphasized the commitment and determination of the police force to pursue and arrest anyone suspected of involvement in criminal activities and to see them convicted. The incident, which occurred in a busy shopping area at 9 a.m., could have ended tragically had it not been for the swift action of the police.