The van which was being driven by McLaughlin.
Police have welcomed the 12-year jail term imposed on a Derry man caught driving a van containing mortars in the city last year.
Seamus McLaughlin (37), of Eastway Gardens, admitted possession of explosives with intent to endanger life and having articles for terrorist purposes.
He was driving a white van stopped by police on the Letterkenny Road on 3 March 2013. Inside the van officers found an improvised mortar system which included four launch tubes, propelling units and mortar bombs. They also found a timing device and another device designed to destroy the van.
McLaughlin was wearing gloves and plastic overshoes. A hole had been cut in the roof of the van to allow mortars to be fired but this had been covered over with paper to give an appearance of normality.
McLaughlin was jailed for 12 years with a further five years on licence.
Welcoming the sentence, Detective Superintendent Kevin Geddes, from the PSNI’s Serious Crime Branch, said police actions had “undoubtedly saved lives on this occasion. ”
He added: “At the time, there was considerable disruption to the local community as more than 100 homes had to be evacuated in the clearance operation.
“We will continue to work to bring before the courts any individual who involves themselves in terrorist activity.
“The streets of Derry and elsewhere are undoubtedly safer today as a result of our investigation.
“We would ask for continued community support as we work to keep everyone safe.”
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