A 39-year-old man has been sentenced at Downpatrick Crown Court today, Tuesday 13th May.

Thomas Galloway was sentenced to five years and four months following the armed robbery of an off-sales premises located at the Queensway area of Carryduff on Sunday 11th February 2024.

“He will serve half of his sentence in custody and the other half to be served on licence.

Detective Sergeant Mullan said: “Galloway was armed with a knife when he entered the premises at around 8:15pm. After pointing a knife at a member of staff, he made off on foot in the direction of Ballynahinch with a sum of cash and alcohol. There were no reports of any injuries, but a member of staff was left badly shaken following the ordeal.

“Following further enquiries, officers arrested Galloway and he was subsequently charged with robbery, possession of an offensive weapon with intent to commit an indictable offence and handling stolen goods.

"Today’s sentencing offers reassurance that we will work tirelessly to bring offenders before the courts so that the victims receive the justice they deserve. I would ask anyone who believes they are a victim of crime to contact police on the non-emergency number 101.”