Taxi driver Thomas Ashe Mellon wrote for dissident inmates

DETECTIVES from the PSNI’s Terrorist Investigation Unit have acknowledged the sentencing of two Derry men who pleaded guilty to having a note linked to dissident republican terrorism.

Thomas Ashe Mellon (39), of Rathmore Road and William McDonnell (28) from Culaduff Gardens, had pleaded guilty at Belfast Crown Court to having the note in June last year.

McDonnell was searched on his way into Maghaberry prison on 5 June to visit an inmate.

He was later spotted by police at a restaurant on the Glenshane Pass meeting Mellon.

The note was written by Mellon on cigarette papers joined together and wrapped in cling film.

Taxi driver Mellon was sentenced to two years and four months, McDonnell was given 12 months.

Both sentences are to be served half in jail, followed by half on licence.

The pair will also be subject to a Terrorist Notification Order for 10 years which helps monitor their movements.

Detective Superintendent Karen Baxter, from Serious Crime Branch, said: “The contents of the note provide some insight into the thinking of those individuals linked to dissident terrorist activity, their objectives and their insecurities.

William McDonnell tried to smuggle Mellon’s note into Maghaberry jail

“Anyone who becomes involved in activity linked to terrorism should be in no doubt that police are determined to use every lawful opportunity to reduce the harm they pose to our community by putting evidence before the courts and allowing the criminal justice system to keep people safe.”

Earlier this week Mellon was found not guilty of directing terrorism and being a member of the IRA.