Guards honoured for Stone bravery

The pair detained Michael Stone until police arrived

Security staff who stopped loyalist killer Michael Stone as he tried to break into Stormont last year have been honoured for their bravery.

Susan Porter and Peter Lachaundis disarmed Stone on 24 November as he tried to enter the building.

Stone, 51, was later charged with trying to murder five people including Gerry Adams and Martin McGuinness.

In a ceremony at Stormont, the speaker commended the staff's "exceptional courage" and gave them a citation.

Michael Stone was restrained at the doors

Eileen Bell said the transitional assembly "acknowledges the dedication, professionalism and performance" of the door keeping staff on 24 November and "commends them for their outstanding service".

She added: "In doing so, the assembly recognised the exceptional courage and bravery shown by the individual members on November 24 last year and their tremendous professionalism and commitment to the safety and protection of members, staff and the general public."

At a bail hearing, Stone said his planned incursion had been "performance art" and he had not intended to kill anyone.