23-Year-Old Jailed For Murdering His Mother

A 23-year-old man has been jailed for a minimum of 14 years for the murder of his mother.

Detectives from the PSNI's Major Investigation Team have acknowledged the sentence handed down to Jordan Kennedy for the murder of his mother, Emma Jane McParland.

Emma Jane McParland, who was 39 years old, was found with a fatal stab wound by police who were called to her home in Haywood Avenue in south Belfast in the early hours of Wednesday 22 April 2020.

Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Chief Inspector Darren McCartney said: "Tragically, Emma Jane died from injuries following a stabbing at the hands of her own son, the impact of this incident within the McParland and Kennedy families is immeasurable."

Detective Chief Inspector McCartney went on to make an appeal to anyone suffering with an abusive relationship.

He continued: "Domestic abuse is not just a physical matter, it can take many forms, including controlling behaviours and emotional and financial abuse.

"We know that victims can feel vulnerable, isolated and frightened, trapped by their abusers' manipulations. We also sadly know, as seen in this and other recent cases, that domestic abuse can quickly escalate to fatalities.

"I am keen to encourage any victims of abuse to come forward. We will help you. We'll listen to you and we will treat you with total respect and sensitivity. You don't have to suffer in silence.

"Please contact us on 101, or in an emergency call 999."