29/01/2020
Padraig Fox's Killer Jailed For Three Years
A 22 year-old will spend three years in prison for the manslaughter of a vulnerable Co Down man.
Padraig Fox was found dead at a flat in the Burrendale Park Road area of Newcastle on 08 December 2018.
He lost his life in a one punch attack in which the attacker and two others, who were known to Mr Fox as friends, failed to call an ambulance.
A sitting at Laganside Crown Court saw Donnacha Rice handed a sentence of three years in custody and three on licence for manslaughter, perverting the course of justice, fraud by false representation and common assault.
Two others were also sentenced over the killing.
Paul Patrick Magennis, aged 28, will serve 15 months in jail and 15 on licence for perverting the course of justice and common assault.
Nathan Robert Rice, aged 21, was handed one year on probation and 40 hours of Community Service. He was convicted of perverting the course of justice.
Mr Fox lost his life when a fight broke out at the Co Down flat.
Mr Rice punched the victim in bad temper, knocking him to the floor before leaving with the other two males, neither of whom attempted to seek medical help.
All three later alleged that Mr Fox had attacked Magennis with a knife and Rice had been injured trying to intervene.
It was proven that their account had been totally fabricated, with evidence coming to light that the pair had cut themselves and placed a knife in the victim's hand to frame him.
The case also revealed that the trio cashed in a betting slip belonging to Mr Fox following his death. The winnings were £7.60.
Detective Inspector Michelle Griffin welcomed the sentencing.
"They callously walked out and left him to die," DI Griffin commented.
"Padraig's family have had to sit through this harrowing trial, listening to every detail of Padraig's last moments. No-one should ever have to go through this torment. His family have been left devastated and whilst I know nothing will ever ease the pain and loss Padraig's death has caused, I hope the sentencing today will bring some kind of closure for them."
(JG/CM)
Padraig Fox was found dead at a flat in the Burrendale Park Road area of Newcastle on 08 December 2018.
He lost his life in a one punch attack in which the attacker and two others, who were known to Mr Fox as friends, failed to call an ambulance.
A sitting at Laganside Crown Court saw Donnacha Rice handed a sentence of three years in custody and three on licence for manslaughter, perverting the course of justice, fraud by false representation and common assault.
Two others were also sentenced over the killing.
Paul Patrick Magennis, aged 28, will serve 15 months in jail and 15 on licence for perverting the course of justice and common assault.
Nathan Robert Rice, aged 21, was handed one year on probation and 40 hours of Community Service. He was convicted of perverting the course of justice.
Mr Fox lost his life when a fight broke out at the Co Down flat.
Mr Rice punched the victim in bad temper, knocking him to the floor before leaving with the other two males, neither of whom attempted to seek medical help.
All three later alleged that Mr Fox had attacked Magennis with a knife and Rice had been injured trying to intervene.
It was proven that their account had been totally fabricated, with evidence coming to light that the pair had cut themselves and placed a knife in the victim's hand to frame him.
The case also revealed that the trio cashed in a betting slip belonging to Mr Fox following his death. The winnings were £7.60.
Detective Inspector Michelle Griffin welcomed the sentencing.
"They callously walked out and left him to die," DI Griffin commented.
"Padraig's family have had to sit through this harrowing trial, listening to every detail of Padraig's last moments. No-one should ever have to go through this torment. His family have been left devastated and whilst I know nothing will ever ease the pain and loss Padraig's death has caused, I hope the sentencing today will bring some kind of closure for them."
(JG/CM)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
26 March 2024
Justice Minister Announces New PSNI Pay Offer
Justice Minister Naomi Long has confirmed the 2023-24 pay remit for police officers at Federated and Superintending ranks has been agreed. The award is consistent with the recommendations of the independent police remuneration review body.
Justice Minister Announces New PSNI Pay Offer
Justice Minister Naomi Long has confirmed the 2023-24 pay remit for police officers at Federated and Superintending ranks has been agreed. The award is consistent with the recommendations of the independent police remuneration review body.
27 February 2024
Four Men Sentenced Over Co Antrim ATM Thefts
Four men have been sentenced in connection with a series of ATM thefts in the County Antrim area over four years ago. The investigation related to a number of ATM thefts between 27th October 2018 and 6th December 2019, including the theft of two cash machines at a supermarket on Castle Way in Antrim.
Four Men Sentenced Over Co Antrim ATM Thefts
Four men have been sentenced in connection with a series of ATM thefts in the County Antrim area over four years ago. The investigation related to a number of ATM thefts between 27th October 2018 and 6th December 2019, including the theft of two cash machines at a supermarket on Castle Way in Antrim.
25 January 2024
Man Jailed For 20 Years For 2022 Murder Of Alyson Nelson
A 68-year-old man has been sentenced to a minimum of 20 years in prison for the murder of Alyson Nelson in Whitehead in 2022. William (Bill) Finlay was handed a life sentence last November, after pleading guilty to murder aggravated by domestic abuse.
Man Jailed For 20 Years For 2022 Murder Of Alyson Nelson
A 68-year-old man has been sentenced to a minimum of 20 years in prison for the murder of Alyson Nelson in Whitehead in 2022. William (Bill) Finlay was handed a life sentence last November, after pleading guilty to murder aggravated by domestic abuse.
11 March 2024
Man To Serve 20 Years In Jail For 2020 Murder Of Inayat Shah
A man has been sentenced to a minimum of 20 years in jail for the murder of Inayat Shah on 21 March, 2020. Mr Shah (67), who was the owner of a guesthouse in Ballymena, was stabbed multiple times in a "horrific and savage" attack near his property on 21 March 2020.
Man To Serve 20 Years In Jail For 2020 Murder Of Inayat Shah
A man has been sentenced to a minimum of 20 years in jail for the murder of Inayat Shah on 21 March, 2020. Mr Shah (67), who was the owner of a guesthouse in Ballymena, was stabbed multiple times in a "horrific and savage" attack near his property on 21 March 2020.
21 February 2024
Limavady Man Jailed For Range Of Domestic Abuse Charges
A 30-year-old Limavady man has been sentenced at Antrim Crown Court for five offences including assault occasioning actual bodily harm, domestic abuse and common assault. Eamon Begley was sentenced to four years – two years in prison and two years on licence.
Limavady Man Jailed For Range Of Domestic Abuse Charges
A 30-year-old Limavady man has been sentenced at Antrim Crown Court for five offences including assault occasioning actual bodily harm, domestic abuse and common assault. Eamon Begley was sentenced to four years – two years in prison and two years on licence.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Cloudy with further outbreaks of rain this morning, heavy at times, especially over north Antrim. Becoming drier and brighter this afternoon with sunny spells and a few showers. Winds becoming light. Maximum temperature 9 °C.Tonight:Further showers this evening, some heavy, especially in the east, dying out early tonight. Then mainly dry with clear periods developing, leading to a touch of frost and icy patches. Minimum temperature -1 °C.