Menu
03/09/2018
David Lyness Sentenced To 18 Years For Murder Of Anita Downey
David Lyness has been found guilty of the murder of Anita Downey and been sentenced to a minimum of 18 years in jail before he can be considered for parole.
Anita Downey (51) was murdered on 20 January, 2017 at the home of David Lyness at Toberhewny Hall.
Lyness was found guilty and sentenced at Belfast Crown Court on Friday, 31 August.
Welcoming the life term, Detective Inspector David McGrory said: "Anita Downey, a loving mother of three, endured a terrifying death at the hands of Lyness. He brutally beat her during a sustained attack that culminated in him getting a kitchen knife and deliberately and savagely cutting her throat, ultimately causing her death.
"Lyness' callousness and cruelty continued beyond the savage murder as he repeatedly denied his guilt despite the overwhelming and compelling evidence against him, putting the Downey family through the trauma of a three week trial, together with forcing his own son to take the stand to give evidence.
"The trial judge Geoffrey Miller QC has paid tribute to the dignity displayed by the Downey family and I echo those sentiments. Their poise and composure throughout this process has been admirable.
"I would pay particular tribute to David Lyness' son for his bravery and unwavering commitment to seeing justice done for Anita.
"Whilst nothing can ever make up for their devastating loss, we hope that the lengthy sentence given to David Lyness offers some measure of comfort and closure to the Downey family."
(MH/CM)
Anita Downey (51) was murdered on 20 January, 2017 at the home of David Lyness at Toberhewny Hall.
Lyness was found guilty and sentenced at Belfast Crown Court on Friday, 31 August.
Welcoming the life term, Detective Inspector David McGrory said: "Anita Downey, a loving mother of three, endured a terrifying death at the hands of Lyness. He brutally beat her during a sustained attack that culminated in him getting a kitchen knife and deliberately and savagely cutting her throat, ultimately causing her death.
"Lyness' callousness and cruelty continued beyond the savage murder as he repeatedly denied his guilt despite the overwhelming and compelling evidence against him, putting the Downey family through the trauma of a three week trial, together with forcing his own son to take the stand to give evidence.
"The trial judge Geoffrey Miller QC has paid tribute to the dignity displayed by the Downey family and I echo those sentiments. Their poise and composure throughout this process has been admirable.
"I would pay particular tribute to David Lyness' son for his bravery and unwavering commitment to seeing justice done for Anita.
"Whilst nothing can ever make up for their devastating loss, we hope that the lengthy sentence given to David Lyness offers some measure of comfort and closure to the Downey family."
(MH/CM)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
23 January 2017
Man Charged Over Murder Of Anita Downey
A 51-year-old man has been charged with the murder of Anita Downey in Lurgan, Co Armagh. Ms Downey, 51, was found dead at a house in the early hours of Friday morning, 20 January. The man is to appear before Lisburn Magistrates Court today, 23 January.
Man Charged Over Murder Of Anita Downey
A 51-year-old man has been charged with the murder of Anita Downey in Lurgan, Co Armagh. Ms Downey, 51, was found dead at a house in the early hours of Friday morning, 20 January. The man is to appear before Lisburn Magistrates Court today, 23 January.
30 April 2002
Temperatures elevated as debate rages on IRA ceasefire
Political temperatures have remained elevated following the failed Ulster Unionist motion calling for the Secretary of State to make a determination on the status of the IRA ceasefire.
Temperatures elevated as debate rages on IRA ceasefire
Political temperatures have remained elevated following the failed Ulster Unionist motion calling for the Secretary of State to make a determination on the status of the IRA ceasefire.
14 January 2019
Teen Arrested In Connection With Coleraine Attack
A teenager has been arrested after two women were stabbed in County L'Derry over the weekend. The victims, both aged 22, were attacked while out walking in the Beresford Avenue of Coleraine at around 11.25pm on Sunday 13 January. They were taken to hospital for injuries which are believed to be serious but not life threatening at this time.
Teen Arrested In Connection With Coleraine Attack
A teenager has been arrested after two women were stabbed in County L'Derry over the weekend. The victims, both aged 22, were attacked while out walking in the Beresford Avenue of Coleraine at around 11.25pm on Sunday 13 January. They were taken to hospital for injuries which are believed to be serious but not life threatening at this time.
29 August 2023
Ballymoney Man Jailed For Sexual Abuse Offences
A 44-year-old Ballymoney man has been given a 10 year sentenced for a total of 20 sexual abuse offences, including rape, sexual activity with a child and inciting child to engage in sexual activity. The sentence was handed down at Antrim Crown Court.
Ballymoney Man Jailed For Sexual Abuse Offences
A 44-year-old Ballymoney man has been given a 10 year sentenced for a total of 20 sexual abuse offences, including rape, sexual activity with a child and inciting child to engage in sexual activity. The sentence was handed down at Antrim Crown Court.
06 November 2018
Man Arrested Over Soldier Murders
A man has been arrested on suspicion of murdering two soldiers in Northern Ireland in 1972. John Downey, 66, whose trial over the IRA's Hyde Park bomb collapsed, was detained by Gardai in County Donegal as part of a joint operation with the PSNI. Mr Downey is expected to appear at Dublin High Court on Tuesday afternoon, 06 November.
Man Arrested Over Soldier Murders
A man has been arrested on suspicion of murdering two soldiers in Northern Ireland in 1972. John Downey, 66, whose trial over the IRA's Hyde Park bomb collapsed, was detained by Gardai in County Donegal as part of a joint operation with the PSNI. Mr Downey is expected to appear at Dublin High Court on Tuesday afternoon, 06 November.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:The day will be very windy with strong to gale force westerly winds becoming occasionally severe along the north coast. Sunny spells will be interspersed with scattered showers. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:West to northwest gale force winds, severe along the north coast, will continue overnight. Frequent showers persist, merging into longer periods of rain at times and turning wintry. Minimum temperature 1 °C.
