McIlveen murder verdicts welcomed

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Michael McIlveen's sister Jodie gives her family's reaction to Wednesday's events.

Three Ballymena men have been found guilty of the sectarian murder of Catholic schoolboy Michael McIlveen.

The 15-year-old was beaten to death in the County Antrim town in May 2006.

Aaron Cavana Wallace, 20, of Moat Road, Christopher Francis Kerr, 22, of Carnduff Drive and Jeff Colin Lewis, 19, Rossdale, were convicted of murder.

"We welcome these verdicts and feel that justice has been done," said Michael McIlveen's sister Jodie outside Antrim Crown Court.

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Detective Superintendent Raymond Murray gives his response to the verdicts.

"It is impossible to describe what we have been through in almost three years.

"Michael will always be in our thoughts and we loved him dearly - he was in our minds first thing in the morning and the last thing at night."

Jodie McIlveen said her family wanted to thank the witnesses who "came forward and told their stories, police, prosecutors, family and friends".

"We also sympathize with the families of the accused - the trial is now over and we can try and rebuild our lives."

Christopher Andrew McLeister, 18, of Knockeen Crescent, Ballymena, was convicted of the manslaughter of the teenager, who was nicknamed Micky Bo.

Paul Edward David Henson, 18, of Condiere Avenue, was found guilty of affray and criminal damage.

Michael McIlveen died after being attacked by a gang in May 2006

At the start of the trial, Mervyn Wilson Moon, 20, of Douglas Terrace in the town, admitted murdering the schoolboy.

The jury, by direction of the court, had previously cleared Peter Gavin McMullan, 18, of Meadowvale, of murder after he pleaded guilty to causing criminal damage.

Speaking after the verdicts, Mr Justice Treacy thanked the jury for their "remarkable commitment during a long and difficult trial".

Detective Superintendent Raymond Murray said: "Hopefully these verdicts will go some small way to lessening the pain and grief endured by the McIlveen family over almost three years.

"The verdicts will not bring Michael back but, hopefully, they will assist a healing process."

Sentencing is due to take place in early April.