Man jailed over ‘senseless and cruel’ killing of friend in Newry in 2021; family of victim Jimmy Thompson say they have been left 'with an emptiness'

Gary Magee, 44, who killed his friend by setting three fires at his Co Down home, has been jailed for three-and-a-half years for manslaughter and arson offences.

Magee was told by the judge that his actions were “highly reckless” and the “senseless and cruel act” had brought pain and anguish to the family of his victim.

He set the fires at the home of Andrew James Thompson, 62 – known as Jimmy – in the Cloughoge area on the outskirts of Newry on May 21, 2021 after they had spent the evening drinking and smoking cannabis together.

Mr Thompson, whose family attended the sentencing hearing at Newry Crown Court, died from smoke inhalation.

In a statement, his brother Colin said the family have been “left with an emptiness”.

He said the sentencing of Magee will help bring them “some closure”, but added: “It won’t bring Jimmy back. Nothing will change.

“It’s been a sad and truly difficult two-and-a-half years for us.

“We’ve all suffered: Jimmy’s partner, his friends and the whole family.

“We’re left with an emptiness. We miss him every single day and we’ll continue to grieve for the loss of our brother for a long time to come.

“We would like to thank the investigating team. I, my family and Jimmy’s partner will be forever grateful for all the support you’ve given us.

“We’d also like to thank the fire service and medics for all they did to help.”

Speaking outside court on Wednesday morning alongside Mr Thompson’s partner Sandra Agnew, her daughter Debbie and grandson Dean, Detective Chief Inspector Anthony Kelly said: “I’m deeply mindful that nothing will take away the family’s sorrow.

“This was a deliberate and senseless act, which has resulted in unimaginable loss. It leaves behind a grieving partner and loving family who remain truly heartbroken.

“My thoughts, and that of the team, are with them.”

Magee was originally charged with murder, but that was withdrawn when he later pleaded guilty to manslaughter and arson with intent to endanger life.

Crown court judge Madam Justice McBride told the court that on the evening of Mr Thompson’s death, a neighbour had noticed smoke coming from his small terraced bungalow.

Fire service officers found Mr Thompson unconscious on the floor in a bedroom. He was taken outside but died at the scene.

Magee was found near the back door and was taken to hospital to be treated for smoke inhalation.

The judge said analysis had shown there had been separate fires in the front bedroom, back bedroom and living room, and an accidental cause was ruled out.

During a police interview, Magee originally denied lighting the fires.

The judge said there had been no evidence of a falling out between the two men, but they had consumed a significant amount of alcohol.

She said the defendant stated he had no memory of starting the fires.

The judge said Magee had a history of fire-starting but had no prior convictions for arson offences.

She then turned to victim impact statements provided by Mr Thompson’s siblings, partner and step-daughter.

She said: “They all express eloquently and movingly the devastating impact the cruel and needless death of the deceased has had upon their individual lives and their lives collectively as an extended family.

“They each speak about the unanswered questions surrounding the death, the heartache and grief and anguish they endure on a daily basis.

“These statements have impressed upon me that this senseless and cruel act has brought about much anguish and pain to the entire family circle.”

She said Magee, whose address was listed as Maghaberry Prison but formerly of Parkview, Cloughoge, had acted in a “highly reckless manner”.

She told him she was imposing a sentence of seven years, with half to be served in custody and half on licence.

Mr Kelly added: “I’m keen to acknowledge the efforts of everyone who attended that scene, from fire service and ambulance service to our own officers. I’d also like to thank local people who raised the alarm, and went on to assist our investigation.

“Thanks to our investigation team, and working in partnership with our colleagues in the Public Prosecution Service, the defendant has been held accountable for his actions.”