Publication date:
Three men involved in the killing of Eddie Meenan in Derry in 2018 were today handed prison sentences.
Sean Rodgers (34) was found guilty of murder and sentenced to serve a minimum of 18 years in prison. Derek Creswell (30) was also found guilty of murder and sentenced to serve a minimum of 15 years in prison.
Ryan Walters (23) was found guilty of manslaughter and was handed an eight-year sentence to be divided equally between prison and licence, while a fourth co-accused, Sinead White (39), was placed on probation for three years on a charge of withholding information.
Ciaran McQuillan, the Head of the PPS Serious Crime Unit, said: “This was a brutal killing that has left Eddie Meenan’s friends and family devastated.
“Mr Meenan was beaten and stabbed more than 50 times during a vicious assault at the back of a house in the Creggan area of Derry in the early hours of 25th November 2018. His body, which bore evidence of multiple injuries, was then partially stripped and dumped in an alleyway, where it was discovered by a passerby. Mr Meenan’s friend William McConnell was also injured during the attack.
“Prosecutors in the PPS’s Serious Crime worked closely with the PSNI to create a strong prosecution case, including witness statements and forensic evidence that resulted in a jury finding Sean Rodgers (34) guilty of murder and Ryan Walters (23) guilty of manslaughter, perverting the course of justice and wounding. Rodgers also admitted a charge of perverting the course of justice. Derek Creswell (30) had earlier pleaded guilty to murder, perverting the course of justice and grievous bodily harm. A fourth defendant - Sinead White (39) - admitted a charge of withholding information regarding the murder.
“I want to thank Mr Meenan’s family for the great strength, patience and dignity they have shown throughout the prosecution and the long and difficult trial process. I also want to thank the witnesses who gave evidence in what the judge described as a ‘harrowing and difficult’ case.
“Mr Meenan’s family face the rest of their lives grieving his death, which occurred in such a violent way. We hope that the conclusion of this case brings them some comfort as they attempt to continue on without him.”