A 59-year-old man who left pipe bombs at a GAA ground in Belfast has been handed a three-year sentence, with half in jail and half in licence.

John Wilson placed two crude pipe bombs on the bonnets of cars parked at the facility used by East Belfast GAA in August 2020. He was convicted in September following a trial at Belfast Crown Court and sentenced this week. East Belfast GAA club was only a few months in existence at the time, having been set up as an organisation inclusive of all backgrounds.

Detective Sergeant McVeagh told RTÉ: “There is no place in our society for any action motivated by hate. Had these pipe bombs exploded, they could have caused significant damage – not to mention injury, or worse.

“Substantial disruption was caused in the community and the victims were left shaken and scared when all they were doing was taking part in a sporting activity they loved.”

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