6 July 2026
Another step was taken today for the Cairns’ family in their pursuit of truth and justice as Laurence Maguire appeared in Belfast’s Laganside Court on charges relating to conspiracy to murder Eamonn, Liam, Gerard and Rory Cairns in October 1992.
Maguire pleaded not guilty to a total of four charges, which also relate to illegal possession of various weapons. The case has been set down for trial beginning January 2027 and is expected to last up to four weeks.
Gerard and Rory Cairns were murdered in their home on the evening of 28 October 1993 by two UVF gunmen. In 2007, the Police Ombudsman found no evidence of collusion in the murder of the two brothers. 12 years later, BBC Spotlight aired a programme entitled ‘The Troubles: A Secret History’, which included an extensive interview with former UVF gunman Laurence Maguire. Maguire admitted to the BBC that he was present during the planning and initial attempt to murder all male members of the Cairns’ family, as well as any friends who might be present in the house. Maguire stated that Robin Jackson and Billy Wright planned the murders, and that he was in a car on route to the Cairns’ family home in October 1992 when a call to abort came through their radio, warning of a helicopter in the sky. Numerous sources have stated that Robin Jackson and Billy Wright were agents working for RUC Special Branch; Maguire himself stated explicitly that Wright met regularly with RUC officers who provided him with all information on potential UVF targets.
Three generations of the Cairns family were present in court and displayed immeasurable courage and dignity as Maguire stood in the dock. The strength shown today by the Cairns family, almost 33 years after the murder of Gerard and Rory, is an inspiration to all bereaved families and testament to their resolve in never giving up their fight for truth, justice and accountability. RFJ were privileged to attend today’s proceedings alongside the Cairns family, and our thoughts are with Eamonn, Sheila, Roisín, Póla, Liam, Dualtach, Faílenn, Rory Óg, Barra, and the wider Cairns Clan on this difficult and emotional day.
Ends.
