Attacker Given 22 Years

A vicious attack in which the victim was cut 16 times, beaten with a saucepan, kicked and partially strangled has resulted in a lengthy jail term.

Aaron Thomas White, 35, of no fixed abode, was told that his attack on Michael Liam Reid four years ago was "unprovoked" and "viciously sectarian".

The court had earlier heard that Mr Reid, a Catholic, only survived because he pretended to be dead.

The victim graphically described how he played dead and listened as White ordered a saw to cut up his body for disposal.

Jailing White for 22 years, Mr Justice Gillen said: "This community had now stepped back from the abyss and it is to he hoped that crimes such as this have now been consigned to the dark side of the past.

"However in the context of Northern Ireland, few offences strike closer to the very fabric of our society than those fuelled by sectarianism particularly where the intent is to kill.

"I can conceive of no more reprehensible motivation and accordingly, such crimes are characterised as being as serious as any to come before the courts."

The victim had been visiting a friend in Ballymena when White, his brother Neil, 30, who is serving a 16-year jail term for his role in the attack and another man - who has never been caught - attacked him with a knife, a saucepan and a ligature.

(BMcC)