This week marked a significant step in the journey to find justice for Lyra McKee, murdered three years ago by the New IRA during rioting in Derry.
Niall Sheerin, a 29-year-old from Tyrconnell Street in the city, was sentenced to a total of 12 years - seven years in jail and five on licence - for storing the gun used to kill Ms McKee.
The father-of-three admitted possessing a .22 calibre Hammerli self-loading pistol, magazine and a quantity of
.22 calibre cartridges with intent to enable another person to endanger life or cause serious damage to property.
Mr Justice Fowler said that while it couldn't be established that Sheerin knew of the gun's history, including its use in the murder of Ms McKee, it was his view that he was ''an associate of a terrorist gang who posed a danger to the public.''
The judge added: ''He voluntarily assisted them by storing this weapon in a condition that it could be readily used again.''
The court heard that Sheerin's DNA was found on several areas of the gun, which had been used in five separate dissident attacks in Derry.
The sentence imposed in this case reflects the gravity of the crime and also sends out a message to those tempted to become involved with the New IRA or any other paramilitary group.
It is worth noting that Sheerin is now the same age as Lyra McKee when she died. She had her life cut short in the most shocking circumstances, he is now facing a lengthy spell in prison, deprived of his liberty and time with his young family.
This is the reality of what is being offered by the violent dissident groups.
While this case represents progress, the fact is that Ms McKee's killer remains at large.
Her sister, Nichola McKee Corner, summed it up eloquently when she said: ''Now the story of the gun has come to an end, but the story of the gunman continues.''
She appealed to anyone with information about the identity of the killer to come forward and ensure there is 'justice for Lyra'.
This is a powerful plea which should be heeded by anyone with a shred of conscience.
The appalling murder of Lyra McKee was a dark day in our recent history. The very least her family deserves is to see her killer before the courts and held to account for this terrible crime.
