domestic abuse Man sentenced for stabbing ex-partner repeatedly and another jailed in separate domestic abuse incidents

Two men in Northern Ireland jailed in separate domestic abuse incidents

Jamie McDowell

March 11 2021 01:24 PM

The police have welcomed the sentencing of man who stabbed his ex-partner 24 times in a brutal and sustained attack in which she received life-changing injuries.

The attack took place last October in Coleraine.

29-year-old Gareth Morrow was sentenced at Antrim Crown Court for grievous bodily harm with intent as well as an assault on police yesterday.

Morrow was given an extended custodial sentence of ten years and five years on licence for grievous bodily harm with intent.

For the assault on police he was handed a ten month concurrent sentence.

In a separate domestic assault incident, 24-year-old Joel Hawthorne was sentenced at Belfast Crown Court for assault occasioning actual bodily harm as well as making threats to kill and criminal damage in relation to an incident in Greenisland in October 2019.

Hawthorne was sentenced to two years and three months, with three months to be spent in custody and the remaining two years on licence.

Detective Constable Harvey from the Public Protection Branch said: “Domestic abuse is a disturbing, and often hidden, crime that can affect anyone. I’m keen to acknowledge the strength and courage of the two victims, and to thank them for coming forward. While today’s sentencings will, of course, never make up for the sheer trauma, distress and pain experienced, I hope that some degree of reassurance has been given.

“I also hope that such tremendous courage is inspirational to anyone else who may have suffered, or who may be suffering, in silence. Please come forward and speak to our detectives, who will treat you with sensitivity and respect at every step of the way. Call 101 or in an emergency call 999.”