02/07/2019

Man Jailed For Cut-Throat Murder

A County Antrim man has been jailed after he slashed another man's throat and left him for dead in 2017.

56-year-old Laurence Shaw was found dead at his house in Hillmount Gardens, Larne, on Monday 09 October 2017.

Jackie McDowell, also from Larne, was sentenced to 12 years' imprisonment for the murder at Laganside Court this morning, Tuesday 02 July.

Detective Inspector Joanne Harris said: "On Sunday 8 October 2017, 56-year-old Laurence Shaw was at his house in Hillmount Gardens, Larne. One of his friends called, accompanied by 40-year-old Jackie McDowell, also from Larne. He invited them both in and when just the two of them remained, Jackie murdered Laurence, slitting his throat in a senseless act of violence.

"Afterwards, Jackie set Laurence's house on fire in a bid to cover his tracks and drove off, calmly stopping at a petrol station for some cigarettes.   


"Laurence's body was not discovered until the next day, brutally murdered in a place where he should have been safe. 


"Laurence's family have been left traumatised by their loss. 


"Whilst nothing will take away their pain, I hope they get some comfort from knowing that his killer is now behind bars."



(JG/CM)

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