Three Men Sentenced Following Pursuit on Westlink28 March 2025

Three men have been sentenced at Belfast Crown Court following a high-speed police pursuit involving a stolen vehicle on the Westlink in 2022.

Sentencing Details

• Ciaran McGuigan (32) was sentenced to 3 years and 9 months after pleading guilty to multiple offences, including two counts of burglary, attempted burglary, two counts of aggravated vehicle taking (where the vehicle was driven dangerously causing damage to three other vehicles), driving while disqualified, failing to provide a specimen, and assault on police.
• Malachy Goodman (41) received a 2-year and 4-month sentence for two counts of burglary, attempted burglary, taking a motor vehicle without the owner’s consent, and aggravated vehicle taking in which the vehicle was driven dangerously. He pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing.
• Ciaran Tully (33) was sentenced to 12 months for aggravated vehicle taking, where the vehicle was driven dangerously, and possession of a bladed article in a public place.

Details of the Incident

Detective Sergeant Faulkner provided details on the reckless pursuit, which took place on 5th November 2022. The Police Service of Northern Ireland’s Air Support Unit initially spotted a stolen white BMW in the greater Belfast area. As officers attempted to intercept the vehicle near Castlereagh, the driver failed to stop, triggering a police pursuit through Belfast city centre.

During the chase:

• The stolen car ran red lights, mounted pavements, and drove dangerously close to pedestrians and other motorists.
• The driver entered the Westlink in the wrong direction, performing a three-point turn on the motorway in heavy traffic.
• Multiple vehicles were damaged, and several police officers sustained injuries while trying to bring the car to a stop.
• The vehicle was eventually halted in the Divis Street area, where all three suspects were detained by police.

Police Response

Detective Sergeant Faulkner highlighted the critical role of collaborative policing in preventing further harm:

“This incident showcased the bravery and professionalism of our officers, who put their lives on the line to apprehend those responsible and ensure public safety. It is only by sheer luck that we were not dealing with a loss of life.”

He also emphasized the importance of bringing offenders to justice:

“Today’s sentencing sends a strong message—those who commit serious offences will be pursued, arrested, and held accountable under the full weight of the law.”