25/01/2024

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.

Welcoming the sentencing, Detective Inspector Michelle Griffin said: "Alyson Nelson, who was 64 years old, was attacked by William Finlay on Saturday 16 April 2022. She was stabbed multiple times, in her own home in the village of Whitehead. A place she should have been safe.

"Officers responded, along with other emergency service colleagues. Sadly, despite valiant efforts to save Ms Nelson, she was pronounced dead at the scene.

"Alyson was a much-loved mother, grandmother and sister. The entire family has suffered a huge loss, made all the more agonising by the cruel way in which her life was taken. Friends and local people, too, have lost a loved one."

Detective Inspector Griffin continued: "William Finlay and Alyson had previously been in a relationship, which had ended over a year before the fatal stabbing took place. As a result, he is the first person in Northern Ireland to be convicted and sentenced for murder aggravated by domestic abuse under new legislation1."

She added: "I know that Alyson's loving family are heartbroken, and my thoughts, indeed the thoughts of our entire team, remain with them today."


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

22 April 2024
312 Alleged Stalkers Arrested Since April 2022
A total of 312 alleged stalkers have been arrested in Northern Ireland, with 150 facing being charged, since the introduction of new legislation in April 2022.
14 March 2024
Appeal Following Theft Of Quad Bikes And Trailer In Magherafelt
The PSNI have issued an appeal for information following the theft of three quad bikes and a quad trailer in the Magherafelt area last week. On Tuesday 5th March police received reports that a Dark Green Suzuki King 750CC Quad and a Red 2022 4x4 quad had been taken from two neighbouring properties in the Quilly Road area of Moneymore.
13 March 2024
Man Jailed For Manslaughter Of David James Conville
A 31-year-old man has been jailed at Belfast Crown Court for the manslaughter of David James Conville in south Belfast in May, 2022. Edward Kelly was sentenced to serve three-and-a-half years, half of his sentence will be served in custody and half will be served on licence, following his guilty plea last November.
12 February 2024
22-Year-Old Man Jailed For Rape At Laganside Crown Court
A 22-year-old man has been sentenced to six years for rape at Laganside Crown Court. Ahmad Alsbaihi was sentenced to six years. He will serve three years in custody and three years on licence. He will be placed on the Sex Offenders Register and will be subject to a Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO) for 10 years.
20 April 2022
66-Year-Old Man Charged With Alyson Nelson Murder
A 66-year-old man is due to appear before Belfast Magistrates' Court today, Wednesday 20 April, charged with the murder of Alyson Nelson. The 64-year-old woman was pronounced dead at a house in Victoria Avenue in Whitehead, Country Antrim. Emergency services had responded to the scene following reports of a stabbing on Saturday 16 April.