HC Deb 19 May 1981 vol 5 c81W
Mr. Michael Brown

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland for what crime or crimes the prisoner who has recently joined the hunger strike at the Maze prison was convicted.

Mr. Alison

Joseph Francis McDonnell began a hunger strike on 9 May 1981. He was convicted at Belfast City commission on 7 September 1977 of the following offences:

Offence and Sentence

1. Possession of firearms and ammunition with intent—14 years' imprisonment

2. Possession of firearms and ammunition in suspicious circumstances—10 years' imprisonment (concurrent).

Brendan McLaughlin began a hunger strike on 14 May 1981. He was convicted at Belfast City commission on 4 February 1977 of the following offences:

Offence and Sentence

1. Possession of firearms and ammunition with intent—12 years' imprisonment.

2. Possession of firearms and ammunition in suspicious circumstances—10 years' imprisonment (concurrent).