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Bap McGreevy killer gets 17 years Bap McGreevy killer gets 17 years
(about 5 hours later)
The killer of west Belfast man Frank "Bap" McGreevy has been told he will have to serve at least 17 years of a life sentence.The killer of west Belfast man Frank "Bap" McGreevy has been told he will have to serve at least 17 years of a life sentence.
Thomas Valliday, 22, from Lady Street, was convicted in February.Thomas Valliday, 22, from Lady Street, was convicted in February.
He attacked the 51-year old former IRA prisoner in his flat in Ross Street in March 2008.He attacked the 51-year old former IRA prisoner in his flat in Ross Street in March 2008.
Valliday was high on a cocktail of drink and drugs when he battered Mr McGreevy with a variety of weapons including a pick-axe handle.Valliday was high on a cocktail of drink and drugs when he battered Mr McGreevy with a variety of weapons including a pick-axe handle.
The trial heard that in the aftermath of the attack Valliday attacked two other men and two cars in the nearby Clonard area.The trial heard that in the aftermath of the attack Valliday attacked two other men and two cars in the nearby Clonard area.
He gave himself up to police the following day after his father and uncle threatened to hold him for police if he refused.He gave himself up to police the following day after his father and uncle threatened to hold him for police if he refused.
During police interviews he changed his account from initially claiming he had just fought with Mr McGreevy outside his flat, to later finding him injured in the flat after seeing two men running from it.During police interviews he changed his account from initially claiming he had just fought with Mr McGreevy outside his flat, to later finding him injured in the flat after seeing two men running from it.
Frank McGreevy died several days after being attackedFrank McGreevy died several days after being attacked
Mr Justice Hart said Valliday had "shown no remorse whatever for his crime and I am satisfied that there are no mitigating factors in the case".Mr Justice Hart said Valliday had "shown no remorse whatever for his crime and I am satisfied that there are no mitigating factors in the case".
The judge had said Valliday was on the run from the Young Offender's Centre, and, at the time, as his own lawyers "correctly observed, he was on a bender of drink and drugs when he attacked Mr McGreevy".The judge had said Valliday was on the run from the Young Offender's Centre, and, at the time, as his own lawyers "correctly observed, he was on a bender of drink and drugs when he attacked Mr McGreevy".
Outside court, Mr McGreevy's sister, Mary Black, said that "it will take some time for us to get some closure on this because it never leaves you, but we have to carry on". Following the sentencing, Mr McGreevy's family issued a statement which said they were "relieved that justice had been done".
Describing her brother as a "jolly fellow who got on with everyone," who would want them "to pray now", she added that throughout the family felt that "everyone of us has been on trial". The family said they wanted to thank those who helped ensure that his murder had not gone unpunished.
"We particularly wish to thank the PSNI investigation team, the people of the Falls Road, the West Belfast Community Safety Forum and our local MP Gerry Adams who worked to ensure that the murder investigation succeeded.
"Our family drew enormous strength from the support of other victims of violent crime, especially the family of Harry Holland.
"Families like ours have a rights to live in our homes and communities, safe and sound in the knowledge that our rights will be protected and upheld by the criminal justice system."
Detective Inspector Justyn Galloway, who helped front the investigation, said he was pleased with the sentence and hoped that it would help to bring closure for the McGreevy family.Detective Inspector Justyn Galloway, who helped front the investigation, said he was pleased with the sentence and hoped that it would help to bring closure for the McGreevy family.
He also praised the co-operation of the people of lower west Belfast: "Without their assistance we would not be here today, and I thank them for that."He also praised the co-operation of the people of lower west Belfast: "Without their assistance we would not be here today, and I thank them for that."
Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams commended the McGreevy family for their dignity.Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams commended the McGreevy family for their dignity.
Mr Adams said one "positive legacy" of the murder was the formation of the West Belfast Community Safety Forum.Mr Adams said one "positive legacy" of the murder was the formation of the West Belfast Community Safety Forum.
"I hope that is something we can build on for the future, to ensure that the citizens of west Belfast are free to live in peace and safety, free from harm and crime.""I hope that is something we can build on for the future, to ensure that the citizens of west Belfast are free to live in peace and safety, free from harm and crime."