Image copyright PAcemaker Image caption Kevin McDaid died after being attacked outside his home in May 2009

Nine men have been jailed in connection with the death of a Catholic community worker in Coleraine, County Londonderry.

Kevin McDaid, 49, died after he was attacked outside his home in May 2009 in what a judge described as an ugly sectarian incident.

His friend Damien Fleming, who was also attacked, needs life-long care.

The jail sentences for the men ranged from six months to eight and a half years.

They were sent to trial for manslaughter and attempted murder in January, but in May they pleaded guilty to lesser offences.

The longest sentences were given to the six men who admitted the most serious charge of grievous bodily harm. All the sentences will run concurrently.

Frank Daly, of Oakland Walk, Coleraine, was jailed for eight years for grievous bodily harm and four years for actual bodily harm (ABH)

John Thompson, of Knocknougher Road, Macosquin, Coleraine, who also admitted GBH and ABH, received the same sentence

Aaron Beech, of John Street, Ballymena, was sentenced to seven years for GBH and three years for ABH

John McGrath, of Knock Road, Ballymoney, was sentenced to six years for GBH and three years for ABH

Paul Newman, of Nursery Avenue, Ballymoney, received a six-year sentence for GBH and three years for ABH

Ivan McDowell, of Taggart Mews, Ballymoney, was jailed for five years for GBH.

Three men who admitted lesser offences were also jailed on Tuesday:

James McAfee, of Cloneen Drive, Ballymoney, who admitted affray, was jailed for three years

Rodney Gardner, of Knocklynn Grange, Coleraine, who also admitted affray, received the same sentence

John Freeman, of Sunderland Road, Belfast, who admitted intimidation and common assault, was jailed for six months.

Another two men who admitted affray received suspended sentences:

Christopher McDowell, of Castle Walk Mews, Castlerock, was given a one-year sentence, suspended for two years

David Craig Cochrane, Windyhall Park, Coleraine, also received a one-year sentence, suspended for two years.

Jonathan Sterling, of Windyhall Park, Coleraine, who pleaded guilty to threats to harm, was released on probation.