Belfast, Northern Ireland – A man from Co Antrim has been sentenced to seven years in prison for a violent assault on his ex-partner driven by jealousy. Dylan Robert Black, 26, was also given three years of supervised release upon his release from prison, as the judge deemed him a danger to the public.
Black, a resident of Kensington Mews in Lisburn, had previously pleaded guilty to charges including grievous bodily harm with intent, threats to kill, threats to damage property, common assault, and resisting police. His co-accused, Danielle Elizabeth Carson, 36, received a suspended 45-month prison sentence for her role in the incident.
The prosecution detailed that on June 30, 2021, Black gained access to his ex-partner’s apartment complex in east Belfast, where Carson also lived. He confronted his victim in the building’s hallway, leading to a violent altercation where Black physically assaulted her and threatened her life.
Black’s behavior was reported to the police by the victim’s support worker, who witnessed the assault. Carson, upon Black’s summons, joined in the attack, with both defendants inflicting significant harm on the victim before leaving the scene. The victim was left severely injured, requiring medical attention for head injuries, lacerations, bruising, and other physical trauma.
The court heard that Black had a history of violence against his ex-partner, including breaching non-molestation orders and previous convictions for assault and criminal damage. Carson, on the other hand, claimed that the victim was targeted due to associating with individuals of a different religious background.
In sentencing, Judge Patricia Smyth highlighted the severity of the crime, expressing concerns about Black’s potential for further violence upon release. While Carson was spared an immediate prison sentence due to a supposed change in her conduct, she was sternly warned by the judge that any future offenses would result in imprisonment.
The case sheds light on the ongoing issue of domestic violence in the region, emphasizing the need for stronger measures to protect victims and hold perpetrators accountable. The sentencing serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing jealousy-fueled violence and the serious consequences it can have on individuals’ lives.