A former Royal Military Police soldier has been sentenced to 18 months in prison after admitting terror offences in an undercover operation in Derry/Londonderry.
Dean Hardy, 38, pleaded guilty to two counts of preparing terrorist acts and two counts of disseminating terrorist publications between October 2022 and January 2023.
Undercover Sting Operation
The court heard how Hardy was caught in a sophisticated undercover operation after he began communicating with someone he believed shared his extremist views. Unbeknownst to him, he was actually speaking with an undercover police officer.
During these conversations, Hardy discussed his intentions to commit acts of terrorism and shared instructional materials related to explosive devices and firearms.
Military Background
Hardy had previously served with the Royal Military Police, giving him specialised knowledge that prosecutors argued made his offences particularly serious. His military background provided him with understanding of security procedures and tactical operations.
The prosecution emphasised that despite his former role in law enforcement, Hardy had "crossed a line into criminality" by engaging with terrorist materials and planning violent acts.
Sentencing Remarks
At Belfast Crown Court, Mr Justice Fowler handed down the 18-month sentence, noting the seriousness of the offences while considering Hardy's early guilty plea and personal circumstances.
The judge stated that such cases involving former military personnel were particularly concerning given their training and knowledge of security matters.
Hardy will serve half his sentence in custody and the remainder on licence following his release from prison.
