Stephen Kennedy admitted causing grievous bodily harm with intent, aggravated by domestic abuse, after a February 2024 attack that left a 49-year-old with serious head injuries.

On 9 October 2026, at Laganside Crown Court, 45-year-old Stephen Kennedy from Belfast was sentenced to eight years for grievous bodily harm with intent, with the offence aggravated by domestic abuse.

On 29 February 2024, the ambulance service alerted police that they were treating a 49-year-old woman with a serious head injury and significant lacerations.

Officers attended the address and found the victim in the ground-floor communal area of a block of flats. She had puncture wounds to the back of her head and back, and had suffered extensive blood loss. Kennedy was arrested and charged. Before any trial, he pleaded guilty to grievous bodily harm with intent, aggravated by domestic abuse.

Detective Inspector Jane McCallum said: "Kennedy is an incredibly volatile and dangerous individual. He subjected his female victim to a litany of abuse over a sustained period of time. When she tried to hide from him he has armed himself with a small hatchet and attacked her to the head and back causing serious lacerations, skull fractures and significant bruising.

"The physical injuries are horrific but as these heal, the psychological trauma the victim has suffered as a result will remain.

"We are incredibly thankful that she had the courage to bring her abuser before the courts today to answer for his heinous crimes against her.

"Our message is simple, you are not alone. We are here, we will listen, we will protect you, and we will stand with you in seeking the justice that every victim of domestic violence deserves."