Kinahan gang leader Liam Byrne (43) has been sentenced to five years in prison for weapons charges, while Thomas “Bomber” Kavanagh (57) has been sentenced to six years for similar offences.

Both pleaded guilty to the charges, while Kavanagh had also admitted perverting the course of justice. Their co-accused, Shaun Kent (38) from Liverpool, was also sentenced to six years.

Observers in the court noticed Byrne’s relief as he realised the sentence would see him out of prison as soon as next year.

The court had not heard the full details of Byrne’s criminal past, and Gardaí do not believe Byrne’s claim that he wants to live a lawful life upon release.

Conor Lally gives the background to the case and Mark Paul reports from the sentencing in London.

Presented by Bernice Harrison. Produced by Declan Conlon and Suzanne Brennan.

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