Today, Wednesday 1st March, a 49 year old man from the Belfast area was sentenced at Newry Crown Court for wounding with intent to do grievous bodily harm, criminal damage and possession of an offensive weapon.

James Gillen was sentenced in total to 7 years and three months imprisonment, with half of the sentence to be served in prison and half on licence.

Detective Sergeant Kitchen said: “Gillen inflicted serious wounds on his victim after shooting him with a crossbow bolt in December 2020, following an altercation in the Lagmore area of Belfast. This was a vicious assault which resulted in a man suffering a serious injury and I hope this sentencing sends out a clear message to anyone who thinks they can use violence and get away with it. Police will continue to work tirelessly to bring offenders before the courts so that victims receive the justice they deserve.”