Latest news with #StephenKelly
Irish Times
05-07-2025
- Business
- Irish Times
Appeal for prevention of more A5 road deaths following court order quashing upgrade
A man whose father was killed in a crash on the A5 in Northern Ireland has warned more people will lose their lives on the road because of a court ruling that has quashed its upgrade. On Monday Mr Justice McAlinden at the Belfast High Court said he was aware his ruling would bring 'fresh anguish' to bereaved families, but the proposed scheme breached elements of the Climate Change Act 2022. 'My appeal is to the minister, infrastructure officials in the department, to get this [upgrade] over the line, get the evidence that the judge has said is required delivered at pace and get moving on this,' Stephen Kelly, whose father, Terry, was killed on the road in 1995, said afterwards. 'Pull everybody together first thing and get working, because in the time it's going to take between now and whenever this project comes forward again, more people are going to lose their lives, and that is completely unacceptable.' READ MORE Mr Kelly, who is chief executive of Manufacturing NI , also said the A5 was a 'critically vital piece of economic infrastructure' for the west, and was needed 'from an economic, a political and a familial point of view'. In a statement following Monday's ruling, the North's minister for infrastructure, Liz Kimmins, said it was a 'disappointing day' and re-emphasised her commitment to the A5 upgrade. She saidshe would 'take time to carefully consider the judgment in full, including any implications for the scheme, and the department's next steps'. The upgrade of the A5, which runs from Derry to the Border at Aughnacloy, Co Tyrone and connects the northwest to Dublin, was first announced in 2007 but has been mired in delays and legal challenges. In that time more than 50 people have lost their lives on the road. The £1.2 billion (€1.4 billion) scheme was approved in October but judicial review proceedings were brought against the Department for Infrastructure by nine applicants including residents, farmers and landowners. The judge acknowledged it was 'likely that delays in the progression of this scheme will coincide with the occurrence of further loss of life and serious injury on the existing road' but he said the decision to proceed 'must be taken in accordance with the law'. Mr Kelly's father Terry, 45, was on his way home to Derry from his construction job in Omagh when he died in a collision 'on that bad corner in Bready', Co Tyrone. 'My father was just a normal working man in the construction industry, he left to go to work early in the morning of 31st August 1995 and he never returned home.' His son was 24. 'I'll never forget,' Mr Kelly said. 'This young police officer had to come to my family home, where I answered the door. 'He was visibly upset and stressed, and I was taken away in the police car to go down to Altnagelvin [Hospital] and identify his body. That's an experience that will always live with you. 'That corner has been slightly improved since then but there's been next to no improvement on that road in the 30 years since he lost his life.' Niall McKenna, chairman of the A5 Enough is Enough campaign group, also warned it was 'inevitable ... that delay will cause deaths'. He said the judge's decision had caused more 'anguish' to bereaved families who could not understand why, 'when there's a scheme there, and the vast majority of people want it, the money's there to build it, why can it not go ahead?' 'What is wrong with our legal system? What is the dysfunctionality of our system, a lot of our systems, that cannot deliver things that are for huge societal benefit?' he said. Additional reporting – PA.
Scottish Sun
25-06-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Former Rangers and Livingston kid Stephen Kelly finds new club – in the United States
FORMER LIVINGSTON midfielder Stephen Kelly has signed for US outfit Orange County. The 25-year-old made 36 league appearances for the Lions last season, helping them clinch promotion to the Scottish Premiership through the play-offs. 2 Stephen Kelly a key player for Livi Credit: Kenny Ramsay 2 Kelly helped Livi get promotion to the Premiership Credit: SNS The Rangers academy graduate became a key player for David Martindale's side during his three years at the club, but has elected to move on after the expiry of his contract. He's moved to the USL side County - who are chasing a play-off spot - until the end of the 2025 season. He said: 'I am delighted to have joined OCSC. "This opportunity was a really exciting one that I felt I wanted to make the most of. "Hopefully, this can be a successful period for the club and I'm looking forward to playing in front of the fans on Saturday.' Kelly is expected to make his debut against Sacramento Republic - managed by fellow Scot Neill Collins - in a Jägermeister Cup tie. Orange County general manager Peter Nugent said: 'We're very excited to welcome Stephen to Orange County. 'He's a player of proven quality who has competed at a high level in the Scottish Premiership and brings valuable experience to our midfield. "His vision, technical ability, and competitive nature will add real quality to our group." Kelly came through the ranks at Rangers and had loan spells at Ayr United, Ross County and Salford before switching to Livingston on a permanent basis in 2022. Livingston boss David Martindale opens his heart on life before, during and after prison.. and the managers he admires most He's joining Orange County in California who once had a strategic partnership with Rangers. Meanwhile, Martindale has continued to bolster his Livingston squad for the step up to the Premiership with his eighth summer signing. The Lions have landed 25-year-old winger Jannik Wanner from SKU Amstetten after an impressive season in the Austrian second tier. Haiti-born Wanner claimed ten goals and 13 assists last season, putting him on the radar of promoted Livi. Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
Sunday World
20-06-2025
- Sunday World
Gardaí pepper spray hotel guest after he racially abused manager following smoking dispute
Stephen Kelly (46) had been asked to leave the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Blanchardstown following a dispute about smoking in a hotel room. Stephen Kelly was involved in a row over alleged smoking A guest who racially abused a hotel manager had to be pepper sprayed by gardaí after he tried to get over a reception counter towards him, a court heard. Stephen Kelly (46) had been asked to leave the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Blanchardstown following a dispute about smoking in a hotel room. A court heard that Kelly, who was celebrating an anniversary with his partner, previously worked in the hotel. Judge David McHugh said this matter was quite serious, and he convicted and fined Kelly €300. Stephen Kelly was involved in a row over alleged smoking News in 90 Seconds - June 20th The defendant, with an address at Patrician Villas in Stillorgan, admitted threatening and abusive behaviour at the Crowne Plaza Hotel Blanchardstown, last June 9. Sergeant Conor Mohan told Blanchardstown District Court that gardaí were called to the hotel following reports of a dispute with a guest. It was alleged that there had been smoking in Kelly's hotel room, and the defendant was asked to leave. Sgt Mohan said Kelly was very drunk, and he made aggressive threats towards the hotel manager, as well as racial verbal abuse. Sgt Mohan said Kelly tried to jump over the reception counter, and he had to be sprayed with pepper spray by gardaí due to his aggressive nature. Judge McHugh said this matter was quite serious, and Kelly tried to get across the desk at the manager. Kelly's defence solicitor said the defendant was not charged with assault. She said Kelly used to work in the hotel, and was there celebrating an anniversary with his partner. There was an allegation of smoking in Kelly's room, which was untrue, the solicitor said, and he was immediately removed from the room. Kelly argued with hotel management because he felt he should have received a warning, rather than an immediate removal. Kelly was very sorry for his behaviour, and wished to offer his sincere apology to the hotel manager, the court heard.
Scottish Sun
13-06-2025
- Scottish Sun
Maniac bailed for savage street attack before going on to kill Scots dad-of-two
Stephen Kelly was jailed for attacking a dad in the street a month after receiving a life sentence FREED TO KILL Maniac bailed for savage street attack before going on to kill Scots dad-of-two Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A MANIAC who murdered his 'best pal' and poured bleach down his throat was given extra jail time - for a savage street attack months before the killing. Brute Stephen Kelly and accomplices beat up and stabbed their victim with a metal pole in May 2023. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 6 Stephen Kelly refused to come out of his cell to attend court for sentencing after already being jailed for murder 6 Chris McMahon was stabbed and bludgeoned to death by Stephen Kelly 6 Kelly claimed to the court he killed pal Chris after he made derogatory comments about his dying dad 6 Stephen Kelly was jailed for 18 months by a Sheriff at Airdrie Sheriff Court Credit: Andrew Barr Astonishingly, he was bailed for that attack and went on to murder Chris McMahon in October the same year. Today Chris' heartbroken family blasted the decision set the thug free to kill as 'disgusting'. Sister Kirsty, 41, said: 'He should never have been let out. I can't help but think if he hadn't been let out Chris might still be here. He's just a violent, evil maniac and the fact that this first victim guy wasn't killed as well is just pure luck.' Five months before murdering dad-of-two Chris, Kelly and three other thugs savagely assaulted Ben Crawley knocking him unconscious, kicking, punching him in the head and body before stabbing him with a piece of metal as he lay helpless. Kelly was due to join John Gault, 25, Alexander Sirrell, 34, and Shaun Thorpe, 28, in the dock at Airdrie Sheriff Court today for the assault on Mr Crawley. However his lawyer told the court he had refused to come out of his cell at HMP Addiewell having 'rarely left it' since he was banged up for life for Chris' murder. Sheriff Derek Livingston agreed to sentence him in his absence, retorting: 'He will have plenty of opportunity to leave his cell in the next 22 years.' All four thugs had previously admitted to attacking Mr Crawley to his severe injury on May 25, 2023. Sirrell also admitted chasing the victim's stepson Ayden McVey and striking him on the body with the piece of metal. Kevin Morrow, prosecuting, told the court the victim had gone into Carluke town centre between 8pm and 9pm after receiving a phone call informing him that his stepson 'might be in some trouble'. Moment 'killer' brands sword 'sexy' before he 'murdered, 14, boy in rampage' Mr Morrow told the court: 'He was knocked to the ground and Gault, Thorpe and Kelly then inflicted numerous kicks to his head and body whereby he was rendered unconscious.' The victim attended hospital where an x-ray revealed a fractured jaw which left him on a 'soft' diet for a period of time and he was he felt he had to move away. Sheriff Derek Livingston jailed Kelly for 18 months to run alongside his life sentence. 6 Kelly, 29, was jailed for 22 years earlier this month for stabbing his lifelong pal Chris McMahon 6 Chris McMahon's mum Margaret and sister Kirsty say their family has been left devastated by his murder Credit: Les Gallagher During his murder trial Kelly claimed he had 'reacted' and killed Chris after he made 'derogatory comments' about his dying dad. However Chris's sister Kirsty said the fact he was on bail for the savage street attack proves he was 'lying'. She added: 'It was all lies. We knew that and this just proves it. Knowing that just five months before he killed Chris he kicked and beat this man flies in the face if his claims he just snapped in the moment.' Sirrell, of Ruchazie, Glasgow, was caged for 18 months for the attack on Mr Crawley, despite the court hearing he had a 'deeply troubled upbringing'. Sheriff Livingston said: 'This is the umpteenth time you have used a weapon and I'm not having that.' Gault, of Carluke, was put under supervision for two years and must do 180 hours of unpaid work, while Thorpe, of Hamilton, was electronically tagged for six months and ordered to do 180 hours of unpaid work. Evil Kelly was jailed for life last month for Chris's murder, with a minimum of 22 years. Kilmarnock High Court heard he told police 'I do not regret it one bit' after repeatedly stabbing dad-of-two Chris McMahon with an 18-inch hunting knife in the neck and chest, before smashing him in the head with a glass bottle and pouring bleach into his mouth. Kelly, who had fled the scene, was found the following day and told police: 'I will do the 25 years. 'I do not regret it one bit. I put bleach in his mouth and everything when he was dead.' Chris' family spoke exclusively to The Scottish Sun, blasting Kelly as a 'cold-blooded coward'. Mum Margaret, 69, told the Scottish Sun: 'He'd come to our house all the time. He was always here having his dinner as a wee boy. 'When I was told Chris was dead and Stephen did it, I could not take it in. It's unbelievable.' Brother John, 37, said: 'He's nothing but a coward and a cold-blooded killer.'Judge Lady Hood told Kelly: 'You showed no remorse. His family's lives have been ripped apart.'
The Sun
10-06-2025
- The Sun
Family of tragic Scots dad savagely murdered by ‘cold-blooded' best pal say he should never be freed
THE family of a murdered dad have told of their horror at him being killed by a childhood pal who considered himself a 'cousin'. Relatives of Chris McMahon, 31, found it 'unbelievable' that Stephen Kelly stabbed him in the neck and chest with an 18-inch hunting knife. 5 5 5 He also hit Chris on the head with a bottle, stamped on him and poured bleach into his mouth during a 'sustained' 20-minute attack. Chris's devastated mum, Margaret, 69, said: 'Never in a million years did I think Stephen would have done this to Chris. 'He would come to our house all the time. He was always here having his dinner as a wee boy.' Kelly claimed he killed Chris in the dad-of-two's home in Carluke, Lanarkshire, because he was being 'bullied' by him. But the dead man's older brother John, 37, said: 'He's a coward. He's hit Chris with a bottle to knock him out, then sat on top of him and stabbed him, then poured the bleach. 'That's not someone who has snapped because they were bullied. He's a cold-blooded killer.' Sister Kirsty, 41, said: 'There's two little kids here who will never see their daddy again.' Mum Margaret told how Kelly's mother knocked on her door after the brute called her, topless and covered in blood, to tell her what he had done. She said: 'She told me, 'You better call for help'. 'After I found out I couldn't believe she hadn't told me what happened. But then, maybe she couldn't say it.' Stabbing rampage leaves 11 people injured as witnesses describe horror of 'screams & blood everywhere' in Salem Kelly, of Carluke, was caged for 22 years at the High Court in Kilmarnock on May 28. Following the sentence Chris' parents Margaret, 69, and John 76, along with siblings Kirsty, 41 and John, 37, said they were relieved Kelly had been given life. Kirsty added: "It's been an agonising 19 months for our family, and justice has finally been served. But no sentence would ever be long enough because Chris is never coming back." 5 5
