By Tony O’Reilly-
A 26-year-old man was sentenced to life in prison today after admitting to the murder of Eamonn O’Hanlon in May 2022.
The tragic incident occurred when Mr. O’Hanlon was fatally stabbed in the chest outside a residence in Gilford, Co Down.
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Eamonn O’Hanlon(pictured), a 36-year-old father-of-two, received immediate medical attention at the scene before being rushed to the hospital. Despite the efforts of medical professionals, he succumbed to the injuries he sustained during the brutal attack.
Frank McAlinden, whose address was given as HMP Maghaberry, initially appeared at Belfast Crown Court in June. During this appearance, he had denied charges of murdering Mr. O’Hanlon and possessing a knife with intent to commit murder. A murder trial had been scheduled for this November.
However, today’s proceedings took a different turn when McAlinden’s barrister, John Kearney KC, asked Mr. Justice O’Hara if his client could be re-arraigned.
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In a courtroom where Mr. O’Hanlon’s family attended via a video-link and the defendant’s family sat in the public gallery, McAlinden confirmed his identity to a court clerk and was subsequently charged with the murder of Eamonn O’Hanlon on May 21, 2022.
In response to the charge, McAlinden uttered a solemn “guilty.” He also pleaded guilty to possessing an offensive weapon with the intent to commit murder on the same date.
Mr. Justice O’Hara, presiding over the case, addressed McAlinden, stating, “You have pleaded guilty to the murder of Eamonn O’Hanlon in May 2022 and to the possession of a knife with intent to commit the offense of murder. On the murder charge, since you have pleaded guilty to murder, I now impose on you the only sentence permissible in law, which is a sentence of life imprisonment.”
The judge further explained that a hearing would take place in December to determine the minimum term McAlinden must serve in custody before the possibility of release on parole can be considered by the Parole Commissioners. Regardless of this decision, McAlinden will spend a significant period behind bars, as per the gravity of his offense.
Mr. Justice O’Hara also set a date for the plea hearing on December 8, requesting that all case-related reports, including a victim impact statement from Mr. O’Hanlon’s family and a pre-sentence report on McAlinden, be submitted before that date.
As the life sentence was imposed, McAlinden acknowledged his family with a nod , before being led from the courtroom in handcuffs by prison staff, returning to custody. The proceedings served as a significant step towards justice for the family of Eamonn O’Hanlon, who will continue to live with the profound loss of their loved one.
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