David Coleman was sentenced today, Thursday 5 June, for his role in the vicious attack and kidnapping of a man in Ballymena in 2021.

Coleman, aged 39, had previously pleaded guilty to grievous bodily harm with intent and kidnapping.  Today, appearing before Belfast Crown Court, he was sentenced to 11 years.

Four other co-defendants – David Cherry, Glen Sheridan, Mark Bradshaw and Sean Davies – were sentenced in May 2024 for their part in the ordeal.

Detective Inspector McCoy said: “The attack took place in a house in Ballymena on 11 October 2021, and the level of violence inflicted is shocking.

“The defenceless victim was viciously beaten, stabbed in the chest with a knife and sliced on both sides of his face. Throughout the nightmarish attack, he was kicked and continually forced to wipe up the blood. Meanwhile, the defendants laughed.”

Detective Inspector McCoy continued: “The victim was then taken in a car and discarded in a field near Broughshane, where he was later found lying unconscious.

Detective Inspector McCoy added: “This man, somehow, survived. His journey, however, has been traumatic and for the first number of weeks he remained in intensive care under sedation. Injuries included a stab wound to his chest, fracture and detachment of the jaw, injuries to his face and mouth, and a fracture to the base of the skull.  He has in fact sustained a permanent brain injury.

“Today, with the support of colleagues in the Public Prosecution Service, David Coleman has been held accountable for his actions.  This, however, was a barbaric and depraved attack, which has left lasting scars.  My thoughts are with the victim and his family, who have all suffered terribly.”