00:00 Today, Guyonfa O'Leary has been sentenced for manslaughter and committing arson recklessly
00:07 to endanger life, having unlawfully killed Andrew James Thompson. The 44 year old was
00:18 sentenced to serve 7 years, half in custody and half unlicensed. Following his guilty
00:27 sentence, he was released on a £100,000 bail last October. Mr Thompson, who was aged
00:34 62, died in a fire that was deliberately started in his home in Clogg, outside Guyonfa in May
00:41 2021. The fatal fire took place on the night of Friday 21st May 2021. Officers attended
00:51 the scene, along with the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service and Northern Ireland
00:57 Ambulance Service. Here, Mr Thompson, known as Jimmy, was found unconscious in a bedroom
01:03 and carried outside by colleagues from the fire service. Sadly, he was declared dead
01:10 at the scene. Guy McGee, who lived locally, was also found slumped inside the locked back
01:18 door and was taken to hospital for treatment. It's been proven that McGee had started three
01:26 fires at various locations within the house by the direct ignition of combustible material.
01:35 The results of subsequent post-mortem confirmed Jimmy's death was caused by smoke and collision.
01:43 I'm keen to acknowledge the efforts of everyone who attended that scene, from the fire service
01:49 and ambulance service to our own officers. I'd also like to thank local people of Clogg
01:55 who raised the alarm and went on to assist my investigation. Thanks to our investigation
02:02 team and working in partnership with our colleagues from the Public Prosecution Service, the defendant
02:08 has been held accountable for his actions. I am deeply mindful that nothing can take
02:15 away a family's sorrow. This was a deliberate and senseless act which has resulted in an
02:23 unimaginable loss. It leaves behind a grieving partner and loving family who remain truly
02:29 happy. My thoughts and that of the team are with them. I'm going to read a statement from
02:38 Colin Thompson, Jimmy's brother. It's been a sad and truly difficult two and a half years
02:45 for us. We've all suffered. Jimmy's partner, his friends and the whole family. Today's
02:55 sentencing of Gary McGee will help to bring some closure, but it won't bring Jimmy back.
03:02 Nothing will change. We're left with an emptiness. We miss him every single day and we'll continue
03:11 to grieve for the loss of our brother for a long time to come. We would like to thank
03:17 the investigation team, I, my family and Jimmy's partner, whoever built him, for all the support
03:25 they've given us. We'd also like to thank the Fire Service and Medics for all they did
03:31 to help. Thank you.
03:33 Thank you.
03:33 [BLANK_AUDIO]
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