30/04/2025
Man Jailed For "Vicious Assault" On English Tourists
A 54-year-old man has been sentenced to six years imprisonment, with half to be served in custody and the remainder on licence, at Londonderry Crown Court in connection with a violent assault on two men visiting the city from England in 2023.
Philip Donnelly received his sentence on Tuesday, 29 April, for the attack that occurred on Duke Street in the Waterside area of Derry/Londonderry in the early hours of Saturday, 24 June 2023.
At an earlier court hearing, 20-year-old Oisin O'Kane was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment, suspended for two years, for assisting an offender in relation to the same incident.
The two victims were in the city for a weekend break when they were subjected to the assault, which resulted in serious injuries. One man required surgery for ankle injuries, while the other sustained severe hand injuries.
Speaking after the sentencing, Detective Chief Inspector Michael O'Loan condemned the attack. "This was a vicious assault on two men who were visiting the city on a weekend away. They were here to enjoy themselves and, instead, suffered a shocking level of violence which left them both in hospital," he said.
DCI O'Loan highlighted the ongoing impact on the victims. "Both victims continue to receive treatment for the awful physical injuries they sustained, some of which are life changing. As well as the horrendous physical impact, they're both continuing to receive treatment to deal with the trauma from this horrific assault and the impact it has had on their mental health."
He praised the victims for their resilience and cooperation. "I want to thank the victims for their bravery and their support throughout our investigation and we hope that, with the passage of time, they will recover."
DCI O'Loan also thanked his colleagues and the public for their assistance in the investigation.
He reiterated the police's commitment to tackling violence. "There is no place for violence in our communities and those behind such violence cannot go unpunished. The Police Service is committed to apprehending perpetrators who commit such crimes and our officers will work tirelessly to bring them before the Courts to be held accountable."
Philip Donnelly received his sentence on Tuesday, 29 April, for the attack that occurred on Duke Street in the Waterside area of Derry/Londonderry in the early hours of Saturday, 24 June 2023.
At an earlier court hearing, 20-year-old Oisin O'Kane was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment, suspended for two years, for assisting an offender in relation to the same incident.
The two victims were in the city for a weekend break when they were subjected to the assault, which resulted in serious injuries. One man required surgery for ankle injuries, while the other sustained severe hand injuries.
Speaking after the sentencing, Detective Chief Inspector Michael O'Loan condemned the attack. "This was a vicious assault on two men who were visiting the city on a weekend away. They were here to enjoy themselves and, instead, suffered a shocking level of violence which left them both in hospital," he said.
DCI O'Loan highlighted the ongoing impact on the victims. "Both victims continue to receive treatment for the awful physical injuries they sustained, some of which are life changing. As well as the horrendous physical impact, they're both continuing to receive treatment to deal with the trauma from this horrific assault and the impact it has had on their mental health."
He praised the victims for their resilience and cooperation. "I want to thank the victims for their bravery and their support throughout our investigation and we hope that, with the passage of time, they will recover."
DCI O'Loan also thanked his colleagues and the public for their assistance in the investigation.
He reiterated the police's commitment to tackling violence. "There is no place for violence in our communities and those behind such violence cannot go unpunished. The Police Service is committed to apprehending perpetrators who commit such crimes and our officers will work tirelessly to bring them before the Courts to be held accountable."
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Man Charged Over Vehicle Hijacking In L'Derry
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Police investigating the hijacking of a vehicle in L'Derry have charged a man with a number of offences. The 26-year-old is accused of common assault, driving whilst unfit and using a motor vehicle without insurance, in relation to a hijacking in the city on Monday 04 March. He is due to appear at L'Derry Magistrates Court today, 06 March.
18 April 2005
Two arrested following ‘serious assault’
Two people have been arrested and are currently helping police with their enquiries following a 'serious assault' in Londonderry at the weekend. At approximately 2am on Sunday two men were taken to hospital suffering from injuries sustained during an assault in the Bracken Park area of the city. Both victims remain in hospital.
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05 April 2005
New offence closes legal loophole - Spellar
A legal loophole has been closed that previously allowed those jointly accused of the murder of a child or vulnerable adult to escape justice by remaining silent or blaming each other, the Government has said. The new offence of familial homicide is one of the new provisions from the Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Act 2004.
New offence closes legal loophole - Spellar
A legal loophole has been closed that previously allowed those jointly accused of the murder of a child or vulnerable adult to escape justice by remaining silent or blaming each other, the Government has said. The new offence of familial homicide is one of the new provisions from the Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Act 2004.
23 April 2018
16-Year-Old Girl Suffers Severe Facial Injuries During Attack In Bangor
Three teenagers have been charged in connection with a serious assault of a 16-year-old girl in Bangor, County Down. The assault occurred at about 7.30pm on Friday, 20 April. A video of the attack was posted to Facebook and shows the teenage victim being punched and kicked by a number of attackers, both male and female.
16-Year-Old Girl Suffers Severe Facial Injuries During Attack In Bangor
Three teenagers have been charged in connection with a serious assault of a 16-year-old girl in Bangor, County Down. The assault occurred at about 7.30pm on Friday, 20 April. A video of the attack was posted to Facebook and shows the teenage victim being punched and kicked by a number of attackers, both male and female.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.