82-Year-Old Mother of Murdered Carrickfergus Man Glenn Quinn Threatened With Gun Attack

An 82-year-old woman whose son was murdered by loyalist paramilitaries has been warned by police that there is a credible threat against her life.

Ellen Quinn, the mother of Glenn Quinn, has now been threatened for a fourth time since her son was beaten to death by members of the South East Antrim UDA in January 2020.

Glenn Quinn, aged 47, was found dead in his ground floor flat at Ashleigh Park in the Woodburn area of Carrickfergus. He had been terminally ill at the time of the attack.

No one has ever been convicted of his murder.

Police recently visited Ms Quinn at her home and informed her that they had received intelligence indicating that members of an organised crime gang intend to carry out a violent attack. Officers warned that the use of a firearm could not be ruled out.

The threat has also extended to her son, Martin Quinn, who has been told he is in imminent danger.

Speaking about the latest threat, Ellen Quinn said those responsible could not hurt her any further than they already have.

“They couldn’t hurt me any more than what they’ve already done. They took my son away from me. I will never see him again,” she said.

“I didn’t put my arms around him and hold him. They took my son.”

Her son Martin said the family believes the threats are an attempt to silence them as they continue to seek justice.

“Mum is the strongest of us all, we get all our strength from my mum and they’re trying to silence her by threatening to shoot an 82-year-old woman,” he said.

“It’s a disgrace. They’re absolutely despicable.”

He added that the threat must be taken seriously, pointing out that Glenn Quinn himself had received a similar warning just days before he was murdered.

“I have to be concerned. I have to be worried because Glenn received a similar threat and four days later, Glenn was murdered,” he said.

Political representatives have also condemned the threats. DUP leader Gavin Robinson described the situation as “utterly appalling”, saying the intimidation of an elderly mother seeking justice was unacceptable.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland confirmed it is continuing to engage with the Quinn family and has appealed for information.

Mid and East Antrim District Commander Superintendent William Calderwood said protecting the public remains the force’s priority and that officers are working to prevent harm and bring those responsible to justice.

Background

The murder of Glenn Quinn in January 2020 shocked Carrickfergus and highlighted ongoing concerns about the influence of loyalist paramilitary groups.

The South East Antrim UDA has been linked to a number of violent incidents and organised crime activity in the area.

Despite the passage of time, no one has been convicted in connection with Glenn Quinn’s killing.

Families affected by paramilitary violence have continued to raise concerns about intimidation and the lack of justice in legacy and post-conflict cases.

Current Status

Ellen Quinn and her family remain under threat, with police continuing to monitor the situation.

Investigations into both the original murder of Glenn Quinn and the latest threats remain ongoing.

The PSNI has renewed its appeal for information that could lead to arrests and provide answers for the family.