Dissident republican spokemsan Nathan Hastings sentenced to ten years in jail

DETECTIVES from the PSNI Serious Crime Branch have welcomed the jail sentence imposed on dissident republican Nathan Hastings at Belfast Crown Court yesterday.

The 21-year-old, from Stradowen Drive in Strathfoyle, describred as a “foot soldier” for dissident republicans, was jailed for five years for possession of guns and explosives.

He will spend five years on supervised licence when released.

The father of one pleaded guilty to the possession of firearms, imitation firearms, ammunition and explosives.

He was arrested after a pipe bomb, a pistol, ammunition and two modified blank-firing handguns were found in a car he was driving when stopped by police on Northland Road in Derry on 12 April last year.

Commenting on the sentencing, Detective Superintendent Kevin Geddis said: “Yet again we have seen the blatant disregard of these individuals willing to endanger life in our community.

“These terrorist groups continue to pose a threat to the people of Northern Ireland.

“However, we will continue to work with our partner agencies, the community, community representatives and local councillors to manage this threat in order to keep people safe.

“We will remain vigilant and ask members of the public to continue to work with us to reduce the threat of serious harm posed by terrorist criminals, take weapons off our streets and, as in this case, bring those responsible to justice.”