Two men have been sentenced on a number of charges linked to an assault on a man in his Limavady home in May 2023

Thomas Quigley (33) was sentenced at Antrim Crown Court today, Thursday 25th September, to three years’ imprisonment – half to be served in prison and half on licence - for burglary with intent to cause Grievous Bodily Harm, common assault, possession of an offensive weapon with intent, threats to commit damage and three counts of criminal damage to the victim's house, car and a police car. 

Detective Inspector Hanbidge said: "The attacked man was left with damage to his arm following this savage attack. Also, for his teenage daughter to be witness to this assault and the victim’s partner, this would have been an emotionally scarring experience for them both too.

Meanwhile, his co-accused Conor McSorley (26) was handed down 100 hours’ community service and on probation for two years for common assault and possession of an offensive weapon. Both men pleaded guilty to the offences.

Around 10pm on Thursday 18th May 2023, a teenage girl called police reporting that her dad was being attacked at their Dunmore Place home.

Quigley was armed with a metal bar around 30cm long which he used to hit the man up to five times while making threats. 

McSorley was present throughout the assault and was swinging a vodka bottle in the injured man's direction.  The window of a Peugeot car parked in the driveway was smashed and the front door of the house broken.

Police attended and, following an intense standoff lasting over an hour with violent threats made to police, officers removed Quigley from the property and arrested him alongside McSorley for his role.  While being transported to custody Quigley smashed the window of the police car by hitting the screen with the handcuffs. 

Detective Inspector Hanbidge said: "This savage attack left the victim with permanent damage to his arm and hand. It was also an emotionally scarring experience for his teenage daughter and his partner, who both witnessed the assault.

"This has been a long and traumatic ordeal for the victim. There is no place in society for this violent behaviour.

“We hope today’s court outcome serves as a clear warning to anyone who becomes involved in violence - there is no hiding place. We will investigate and we will pursue perpetrators relentlessly and bring them before the court to be held accountable."