Man Jailed For 8 Years Over 2022 North Belfast Incident

The PSNI have welcomed the sentencing of a man in connection with an altercation at a property in north Belfast in 2022.

Having previously pleaded guilty in November 2023, Joshua Dowd, aged 31, appeared before Laganside Crown Court where he was sentenced for the offences of grievous bodily harm with intent, attempted grievous bodily harm with intent, and criminal damage.

He was handed an eight-year prison sentence for the combined offences, and was ordered to serve the remaining three years of his sentence on licence.

Welcoming the sentencing, Detective Sergeant Alexander said: "Officers received a report on Sunday, 7th August 2022 shortly after 7.05am of an altercation and damage caused to a property in the Ashfield Gardens area.

"Dowd also sustained injuries to his head following an altercation before he made off from the scene.

"It was alleged Dowd then proceeded to drive at a man and a woman in the area – causing them both to sustain serious injuries.

"All three injured parties required extensive hospital treatment for their injuries.

"Dowd was located by officers, arrested on suspicion of a number of offences and later charged.

"A second man was also arrested in connection with the investigation – he was later released pending a report to the Public Prosecution Service.

"We remain committed to apprehending perpetrators, and today's sentencing also demonstrates our commitment towards tackling violence against any member of the public who finds themselves in harm's way."