A FORMER PSNI officer has been handed an 11-year sentence for attempted possession of firearm and ammunition, numerous drug-related charges and perverting the course of justice.
Allen Kennedy (31), formerly of Strandtown PSNI Station, Belfast, has been ordered to spend 5.5 years in prison and 5.5 years on licence.
Kennedy pleaded guilty in October to attempted possession of a firearm and ammunition and silencer.
He also pleaded guilty to numerous drug possession charges relating to cannabis, MDMA and cocaine, and possession with intent to supply in relation to the cocaine, as well as a previous charge of perverting the course of justice.
Kennedy was arrested in March 2014 for offences relating to perverting the course of justice and misconduct in a public office. He was subsequently suspended.
During his suspension, he was involved in the purchase of drugs and drug paraphernalia. He had attempted to purchase a 9mm pistol, a silencer and 10 rounds of ammunition.
For some of these purchases, he used the “dark web” to access different sites.
PSNI launched a covert investigation into the activities of Kennedy.
This culminated on the morning of 5 September 2016. Kennedy handed over £500 for a package he thought contained his purchases.
Officers also carried out a search of a vehicle driven by Kennedy, which uncovered two hides disguised as a drinks tin and a WD40 tin, containing a total of 13 dealer bags of white powder. Further examination confirmed the white powder was cocaine.
An examination of mobile devices seized from Kennedy showed evidence of communication involving the attempted purchase of the firearm. Text messages on another phone were associated with someone involved in the supply of controlled drugs.
Kennedy was further arrested for attempted importation of 250g Class B drugs, namely cannabis in relation to a parcel addressed to him which had been intercepted.
He was sentenced today at Downpatrick Crown Court.
This case and the sentence handed down today continues to show our commitment to keep drugs and firearms off the streets of Northern Ireland.
This case and the sentence handed down today continues to show our commitment to keep drugs and firearms off the streets of Northern Ireland.
“Those intent on criminal activity should know that even with the perceived anonymity of activity on the ‘dark web’, we will continue to pursue criminals in whatever quarter they operate to keep people safe,” Detective Chief Inspector Michael Harvey, of the PSNI Cyber Crime Centre said.
“We will continue working with the Public Prosecution Service in order to bring criminals using the cyber world to carry out their illegal acts before the Courts.”
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