Solider guilty of comrade’s murder at Clive Barracks

Lance Corporal Richard Farrell was today found guilty of murdering, 32-year-old Corporal Geoffrey McNeill at Clive Barracks at Tern Hill in March.

Farrell, who resided at Clive Barracks, Tern Hill, near Market Drayton, Shropshire, a member of 1st Battalion The Royal Irish Regiment, was sentenced to life, with a minimum term of 15 years imprisonment.

Corporal McNeill, who was in 1st Battalion The Royal Irish Regiment, died on Saturday 8th March this year in his room at Clive Barracks.

Today’s verdict marks the end of a complex and detailed murder investigation.

Temp Detective Supt Neil Jamieson, who led the investigation, said: “Corporal McNeill was a well liked, experienced and dedicated soldier who was well respected amongst his colleagues and friends.

“This incident has devastated his family and friends. We have provided support to his family through our family liaison officers to assist them through an emotional, traumatic time. I hope that today’s conviction will go some way to help them move on, however, I realise that Geoff will never be far from their thoughts.”

West Mercia Police Major Investigation Unit was supported throughout this enquiry by members of the Crown Prosecution Service, the Army - in particular the 1st Royal Irish Regiment, the Ministry of Defence and the Service Prosecution Authority.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank them all for the support they provided to my officers. I would also like to pay particular thanks to the many witnesses who provided valuable information to assist the investigation and in particular those who gave evidence during the trial. Geoff's death has had a significant impact on the lives of many people,” said Temp Detective Supt Neil Jamieson, who continued:

“There is no doubt that when any such incident occurs it has an impact on various communities, in this case the Irish regiment and the wider Market Drayton community. During the investigation officers have spent a considerable amount of time both working on the base and also around the Market Drayton area.

“Fortunately such incidents are rare.”

Following the verdict, the family of Corporal Geoffrey McNeill issued the following statement:“Corporal Geoffrey McNeill was born in Ballymoney, Northern Ireland and dedicated his life to his family and to the 1st Battalion, Royal Irish Regiment. He served his country with the highest degree of honour and dedication. He was a much loved Grandson, Son, Brother, Uncle and friend and touched the lives of all who had the pleasure of meeting him.

“As a family we are relieved that the ordeal of the trial is over and that the verdict of guilty has been reached. Whilst we are pleased that justice through the courts has prevailed, there remains a void in our lives that will never be filled. The sentence received by Richard Farrell is not comparable to the sentence carried by those who knew and loved Geoff, for which there is no limit. The actions of Richard Farrell have significantly impacted on Geoff’s family and friends, including his colleagues within the Army. The devastation caused is immeasurable, unforgettable and indefinite.

“Geoff McNeill dedicated his life to the Army and to his duty to protect others. He was a dedicated soldier who excelled in everything that he did. Geoff had the ambition, drive and potential to continue to excel within the 1 Royal Irish Regiment. As a family we are deeply saddened that this opportunity was taken away from him, as was his opportunity to have children and settle down in the future. A huge part of Geoff’s life focussed on his nieces and nephews, to them he was stolen and we continue to support them through this challenging time.

“At this time it is difficult to comprehend how we can move forward as a family, however the family remain united, with the memory of Geoff keeping us standing tall. We would like Geoff to be remembered for the legend that he was and not for the dishonourable, cowardly and brutal way in which he was taken from us all.

"The opportunity to grieve has been taken from the family, we would now like to take the time to remember the joy that Geoff gave to us and all those who he touched through his short, yet meaningful life.

“We would like to give thanks to West Mercia Police for their thorough and professional investigation, which has led to the verdict reached. We also give thanks to the CPS, Mr Hotton QC and the prosecution team. Furthermore, we would like to express our gratitude for the support of the British Army. Finally, we would like to thank all of those who have provided continued support throughout our campaign for justice.”