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Boxer and mother receive suspended jail sentences for having drugs in Maghaberry prison

Helen McKee appearing at Craigavon Court, where she received a suspended jail sentence
Helen McKee appearing at Craigavon Court, where she received a suspended jail sentence Helen McKee appearing at Craigavon Court, where she received a suspended jail sentence

A BELFAST boxer and his mother have both been handed suspended jail terms after facing charges linked to the supply and possession of drugs in jail.

At a hearing at Craigavon Crown Court, 25-year-old Brendan Patrick McKee, who once fought for Ireland, pleaded guilty to possessing class B cannabis and class C painkiller buprenorphine on 26 November 2015.

Alongside him in the dock on Tuesday was his mother, Helen Arlene McKee (43), from Cliftonpark Avenue in north Belfast.

She confessed to supplying the class B and C drugs and a further charge of conveying the drugs into Maghaberry Prison in Co Antrim on the same date.

Helen McKee was handed a 12 month custodial sentence suspended for three years, while her son, of Manor Street in north Belfast, received a six month sentence, also suspended for three years.