Conviction of Garfield Gilmour
Garfield Gilmour, a local loyalist, was found guilty of murder for his part in the attack and sentenced to life imprisonment in October 1999. He had driven the car which had transported the UVF unit containing Johnny McKay, brothers Raymond and Ivan Parketo the Quinn home. Gilmour was described at his trial as a hard working, farm machinery salesman who came from a middle-class background who was unwillingly part of the attack which killed the Quinn brothers. The judge described Gilmour as an "accomplished liar". Gilmour and his girlfriend Christina Lofthouse alleged that an uncle of the Quinn boys Colm Quinn, had approached their daughter offering her a sweet knowing it was a small piece of cannabis.Colm Quinn confirmed that the couple had made allegations against him previously that he was a drug dealer.He then had to flee the Carnany estate.However returning to his old house three months before the fatal attack on his nephews Quinn claimed he was confronted by Gilmour again and was warned he was "going to be sorted out".
The Orange Order released a press statement a year after the attack, stating, "According to today's judgment the murders were a combination of a sectarian attack by the UVF and a personal grudge between Gilmour and the uncle of the three boys," and voiced the "Order's absolute commitment to ensuring that justice is done for their family."
Read more about this topic: Quinn Brothers' Killings
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