27/06/2024

Two Men Jailed For 'Savage Assault' In North Belfast In 2022

Two men have been sentenced to a total of 11 and half years between them for a "savage assault", which left the victim with life-changing injuries, in north Belfast in 2022.

Anthony Harrison (32) from Newtownabbey was sentenced to nine-and-a-half years' – half in custody and half to be served on licence – after he was convicted at Belfast Crown Court on Wednesday 26th June, of grievous bodily harm with intent.

North Belfast man James Parke (31) was sentenced at the same court to two years' custody suspended for three years for the offence of wounding. Restraining orders were also issued.

The charges relate to the stabbing of a man in the Cliftonville Road area near to the junction of Rosapenna Drive in north Belfast on Monday, 18th April 2022.

Detective Inspector Michael McDonnell said: "Following a call from a member of the public, our officers discovered the victim bleeding and in pain after he had been stabbed a number of times in the abdomen and struck with a blunt item.

"This man sustained life-changing injuries in this savage assault, spending a significant period of time seriously unwell in hospital and will require assistance for the rest of his life.

"Enquiries at the scene led to the identification of both Harrison and Parke. We arrested them and both were charged. Today we see that justice has been done.

"They have been held to account for their actions and we'd like to thank the public who responded to our appeal for information at the time.

"We will work tirelessly to bring offenders before the courts so that that victims receive the justice they deserve."

Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

12 January 2016
North Belfast Murder Victim Conor McKee Shot A Number Of Times
31-year-old north Belfast murder victim Conor McKee was shot a number of times, police have revealed. Mr McKee was found dead by his mother at his Glenpark Street home last Thursday night. Two men arrested over the murder have been released on bail.
06 January 2023
PSNI 'Increasingly Concerned' For Missing North Belfast Man
The PSNI are increasingly concerned for a missing north Belfast man who may have travelled towards Larne. 39-year-old C Brady was last seen in the Skegoniel area at around 5.30pm on 05 January. He is believed to have travelled towards Larne in a silver Toyota Yaris, registration number FFZ 5221.
30 May 2007
Ritchie says regeneration is 'more than bricks and mortar'
Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie MLA has urged communities in North Belfast to grasp the opportunity to create a legacy of community renewal from EU funded initiatives.
17 May 2022
Man Stabbed Multiple Times In North Belfast
A man, aged in his 30s, is being treated in hospital following a serious stabbing incident in north Belfast. Police have issued an appeal for information after the man was stabbed a number of times in a incident at his own flat at Queen's Parade in the New Lodge areas. Police have said that the incident occurred at around 00:20 on Tuesday morning.
09 May 2012
North Belfast Pharmacist Convicted At Belfast Magistrates Court
A 27 year old former Pharmacy manager at a North Belfast Chemist was yesterday convicted at Belfast Magistrates Court for illegally supplying prescription only medicines without GP prescriptions.