10/01/2003

Woman found guilty of killing teenager

The woman who knocked down and killed a teenage boy on a bicycle in north Belfast last year has been convicted of manslaughter.

Allison McKeown was found guilty at Belfast Crown Court today of killing 16-year-old Thomas McDonald on the Whitewell Road last September.

The court heard that McKeown, 33, ran the boy down after he threw a brick at her car. He later died from serious head injuries.

McKeown admitted death by dangerous driving but denied murder. She was remanded in custody and a date for sentencing is to be set.

McKeown's lawyers had argued that the mother of six had acted in the heat of the moment and had not intended to seriously injure the boy. In his summing up, Lord Justice McCollum accepted that the intention was not to kill but that McKeown had deliberately run the boy down.

The incident occurred at the height of sectarian tensions surrounding the Holy Cross protests.

(GMcG)

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

13 February 2024
Tourism NI Launch New 'Get Into Tourism' Training Course
Tourism NI has announced the launch of a new accredited training course, designed to encourage people to 'Get Into Tourism'. The organisation has teamed up with Belfast Metropolitan College to deliver the free Level 2 City and Guilds qualifications.
14 February 2003
Mother sentenced to two years for killing teenager
A mother of six who knocked down and killed a teenager in north Belfast last year has been sentenced to two years imprisonment. Alison McKeown, from Newtownabbey, Co Antrim, was found guilty at Belfast Crown Court on January 10 of killing 16-year-old Thomas McDonald on the Whitewell Road last September.
09 February 2024
Chief Constable Criticised For Not Inviting UUP To PNSI Graduation
The Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) has criticised PNSI Chief Constable, Jon Boutcher, for his failure to invite their party leader, Doug Beattie, to the PSNI Graduation Ceremony. UUP member of the Policing Board, Mike Nesbitt, said: "For the avoidance of doubt, I welcome the fact Michelle O'Neill MLA will attend in her capacity as First Minister.
18 January 2024
Investigation Launches After Masked Men Break Into House In East Belfast
The PSNI have launched an investigation after masked men broke into a house in east Belfast while a woman was inside. The incident occurred in the Manna Grove area at around 7pm on Wednesday, 17 January. Three masked men entered the property through a smashed back door and searched the house while the woman was upstairs.
24 April 2024
Sir Jeffrey Donaldson And Wife Appear In Court
Former DUP Leader, Sir Jeffrey Donaldson and his wife, Lady Eleanor Donaldson, have appeared before Newry Magistrates Court charged with a number of historical sex offences. Donaldson, 61, is facing a total of 11 charges, including one charge of rape, one of gross indecency involving a child and nine charges of indecent assault.