Strabane Man Convicted of Attempted Murder in 2022 PSNI Bomb Attack

In a significant ruling at Belfast Crown Court, a 31-year-old man has been convicted of attempting to murder two police officers during a 2022 bomb attack in Strabane. Charlie Love, of Bridge Street, was found guilty on all four charges brought against him following a non-jury trial.

The convictions stem from a targeted explosion that occurred in the Mount Carmel Heights area of Strabane on the evening of Thursday, 17 November 2022. The attack, which was later claimed by the New IRA, targeted an unmarked armoured Skoda Superb carrying two police officers.

The Verdict at Belfast Crown Court

Presiding over the non-jury trial, Mr Justice Fowler delivered the verdict, finding Love guilty of the following charges:

• The attempted murder of ‘Officer A’.
• The attempted murder of ‘Officer B’.
• Possessing explosives with intent to endanger life.
• Causing an explosion likely to endanger life or cause serious injury to property.

During the proceedings, the judge emphasized the gravity of the incident, stating he was “satisfied that it was the defendant’s intention that police officers would be killed.” Mr Justice Fowler further characterized the incident not as an attempt to merely “scare or terrorise” the police, but as a deliberate act falling within a “violent dissident terrorism agenda.”

Details of the Mount Carmel Heights Attack

The court heard that at approximately 11:00 p.m. On the night of the attack, two officers were traveling in the unmarked vehicle when they experienced a massive bang and witnessed a large flash. The officers reported that the vehicle felt as though it had been “peppered” by something and moved to the side due to the force of the blast.

While no immediate, obvious damage was noted when the officers returned to the Strabane police station, a subsequent inspection revealed peppering on the vehicle’s paint surface. The investigation linked Love to the scene through forensic evidence, specifically locating his DNA on a command wire and a modified cordless drill used in the attack.

Outcome for Co-Accused

The trial also addressed the involvement of Love’s co-accused, 30-year-old Symone Murphy, of the same address. Murphy was found not guilty of the charge of withholding information that might assist terrorists. Her legal representative argued that the prosecution was “fundamentally flawed” and lacked sufficient evidence to justify the case.

Key Takeaways

Charlie Love has been remanded in custody. A sentencing hearing is expected to take place in September 2026.