A man has been sentenced to 11 years for a "sustained, brutal attack" on a man who was stabbed in the chest, slashed on the face and dumped in a field in County Antrim. The victim, who was found by binmen outside Broughshane in October 2021, suffered permanent and life-changing injuries including a brain injury. David Coleman, 39, whose address was given as HMP Maghaberry, pleaded guilty to kidnapping and grievous bodily harm and was sentenced at Belfast Crown Court on Thursday. He will serve half of his 11-year term in prison and half on licence. Four other men involved in the attack were jailed last year. Police said throughout the "nightmarish attack", the victim was kicked and continually forced to wipe up his own blood as his attackers laughed. The court was told the victim was asked to bag cocaine at Coleman's Ballymena flat before he was accused of stealing customers. He was repeatedly punched in the face by Coleman who then took a large knife and stabbed him in the chest before putting it in his mouth. Mr Coleman, who was laughing throughout, slashed the blade across the victim's face. He then called someone and asked "where do I get rid of somebody?" The victim was later bundled into the back of a car by other men and dumped in a field on the Lisnamurrican Road near Broughshane. It was there that he was assaulted with a hatchet. During sentencing Judge Gordon Kerr KC said the fracture to the victim's skull caused by the hatchet was not caused by Coleman but said he "used a knife in a cruel way" and that the victim was subjected to a "sustained, brutal attack". A Crown barrister previously told the court Coleman encouraged and directed others involved in the kidnapping. He also said he had a "long-standing association with paramilitaries". At an earlier hearing, Coleman's barrister said his client had already served more than three years in custody and did not inflict the skull fracture which caused significant and permanent damage. Coleman was given a nine-year sentence with a further two years added due to him being considered dangerous. Judge Kerr said Coleman's record contains violence including links to paramilitary offences and that he is assessed as being a high-risk offender by the Probation Board NI. "The most significant matter is that he has a history of dealing in drugs and that this incident arose from that," the judge said. "His total indifference to his victim shows a mindsight that he does and will pose a significant risk of causing serious harm." Police described the attack as "barbaric and depraved" and said "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," Det Insp McCoy said. "Throughout the nightmarish attack, he was kicked and continually forced to wipe up the blood. Meanwhile, the defendants laughed." He 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."
Man sentenced to 11 years over 'nightmarish' knife attack
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Man Receives 11-Year Sentence for Violent Knife Attack in County Antrim"
Bbc News
6.9
TruthLens AI Summary
David Coleman, a 39-year-old man, has been sentenced to 11 years in prison for his involvement in a brutal knife attack that left his victim with life-altering injuries. The incident occurred in October 2021 in County Antrim, where the victim was found by refuse collectors abandoned in a field after enduring a horrific assault. Coleman pleaded guilty to charges of kidnapping and grievous bodily harm, with the court hearing that he had stabbed the victim in the chest and slashed his face with a large knife while laughing. The attack was described as 'sustained and brutal,' with the victim being forced to wipe his own blood while being kicked and assaulted. The court was informed that the victim, who had been asked to bag cocaine at Coleman's flat, was accused of theft, which led to the violent confrontation. He suffered a stab wound, facial injuries, and a permanent brain injury as a result of the attack.
During the sentencing at Belfast Crown Court, Judge Gordon Kerr KC noted the severity of the attack and highlighted Coleman's dangerousness, as well as his history of violent behavior and connections to paramilitary groups. Although Coleman had already served over three years in custody before his sentencing, the judge emphasized the need for a substantial prison term due to the violent nature of the crime and the significant risk Coleman posed to the public. He will serve half of his sentence in prison and the other half on license. The police characterized the attack as 'barbaric and depraved,' detailing the victim's traumatic experience and the extensive injuries he sustained. The judge's remarks reinforced the idea that Coleman's indifference to his victim's suffering reflected a mindset that could lead to further serious harm in the future. Coleman's actions not only inflicted physical damage but also left the victim with a long and painful recovery journey, underscoring the lasting impact of such violent crimes on individuals and communities.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The report outlines a severe criminal incident involving David Coleman, who has been sentenced to 11 years for a brutal knife attack in County Antrim. The details reveal a shocking level of violence and cruelty directed towards the victim, highlighting issues surrounding crime, public safety, and the judicial response to such acts.
Intent Behind the Publication
The article likely aims to inform the public about the severity of violent crimes in the region, particularly those involving gangs or paramilitary associations. By detailing the horrific nature of the attack, the publication seeks to evoke a strong emotional response from readers, raising awareness about the dangers that exist in their communities. The focus on the victim's suffering serves to underline the consequences of such violence, potentially leading to calls for stricter law enforcement or social interventions.
Community Perception
This news is likely to foster feelings of fear and concern among the community regarding safety and crime rates. The graphic descriptions of the attack can contribute to a heightened sense of vulnerability, prompting discussions about crime prevention and the need for community vigilance. The portrayal of Coleman and his associates as brutal criminals can galvanize public opinion against gang-related activities and paramilitary ties.
Potential Concealments
While the article does not appear to hide any specific details, it may not provide comprehensive context regarding the broader social issues at play, such as socioeconomic factors that contribute to gang violence. By focusing on the attack and the sentencing, it may divert attention from systemic problems that lead to such criminal behavior.
Level of Manipulation
The report presents a high level of factual information that can be verified, indicating a moderate level of reliability. However, the sensational nature of the language used to describe the attack could be seen as manipulative, aiming to provoke outrage and fear rather than simply inform. The portrayal of Coleman’s behavior could be interpreted as an attempt to create a villainous image that simplifies a complex situation.
Comparative Context
When compared to other news stories about violent crime, this report fits a narrative often seen in media coverage of similar incidents, which emphasizes the brutality of attacks. While it does not seem to connect directly to other current events, it does contribute to ongoing discussions about crime and public safety.
Impact on Society and Economy
The report could influence public sentiment towards law enforcement and the judicial system, potentially leading to increased pressure for policy changes. Additionally, heightened fears about crime may affect local businesses and their operations, as safety concerns can deter customers. Politically, such reports can shape the discourse around crime legislation and community safety initiatives.
Target Audience
The article seems to resonate more with communities affected by crime, particularly those concerned with the safety of their neighborhoods. It may appeal to individuals seeking justice and accountability within the legal system.
Market Implications
While this specific incident may not directly impact stock markets, it could have a broader implication for sectors related to law enforcement and public safety, such as security firms and legal services. In a more general sense, ongoing coverage of violent crime could influence investor sentiment in regions perceived as unsafe.
Geopolitical Relevance
Though the incident itself is localized, it reflects broader themes of violence and crime that resonate in many societies today. Such narratives can be linked to wider conversations about safety and governance, making it relevant in discussions of global stability and social order.
Use of AI in Reporting
It is unlikely that advanced AI models were directly involved in creating this report, as the language and structure suggest human authorship. However, AI tools could have been employed in data analysis or in gathering statistics related to crime, providing a factual basis for the report. The overall narrative does not seem to reflect any AI-driven bias but rather presents a straightforward account of events.
Conclusion
In summary, the reliability of this report appears to be moderate, given the factual basis and detailed accounts of the incident, although the sensational language used may skew public perception. It serves to highlight significant issues regarding violence in the community and the judicial response to such acts.