BELLAGHY MURDERER PHELIM MCNALLY GETS 20 YEARS FOR TEEN'S MURDER
Phelim McNally, a resident of Station Park in Toomebridge, was sentenced to serve a minimum of 20 years in prison for the killing of 18-year-old Lauren O'Neill in Bellaghy in May 2012.The court was informed that he shot Lauren in an act the judge described as displaying "extraordinary wickedness." His assault also severely wounded her sister, Brenda, who was his former partner and mother of two children.
Prior to his trial, McNally confessed to both murder and attempted murder and was already serving a life sentence for another murder conviction.
Judge Mr.
Justice Treacy sentenced him to at least 20 years before he could be considered for parole, condemning the shooting as an act of "extraordinary wickedness" in which he intentionally aimed and fired from a shotgun at both women.
The tragedy unfolded before McNally's young children.
Court documents revealed that McNally was experiencing issues related to jealousy and a desire for control.
It was also noted that he had been involved with Brenda O'Neill until about a week before the attack.
On the day of the incident, he deliberately aimed his firearm at Lauren, firing two shots unseen by her, causing her to fall.
He then turned the gun on Brenda, injuring her in the arm and stomach.
The court emphasized the cruelty of the act, mentioning Lauren was merely using her phone when she was shot, and that McNally’s motives were rooted in jealousy, a factor also identified in the pre-sentence report and indicating his ongoing struggles with such feelings.
