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."