Hammer attack man jailed

A man has been jailed for 12 years for attacking his ex-girlfriend and her husband.

William Thomas Kernaghan, 36, from the Avoniel Road in Belfast, smashed his way into the flat of John and Catherine Cowan at Beauford Walk in Newtownards, County Down.

He used a telescopic baton to break into the home in the early hours of 1 June last year.

Mr Cowan attempted to defend himself with a hammer, but this was wrestled from him.

Mr Justice Coghlin said on Monday that Kernaghan proceeded to attack Mr Cowan with "sheer ferocity".

Kernaghan then abducted his former girlfriend, drove her away and subjected her to what the judge described as "further assaults and indignities".

The judge said although the former bouncer's anger may have been "fuelled" by drink, nothing could justify his conduct.

John Cowan was left epileptic and partially crippled.

Lesser charges

Kernaghan initially faced attempted murder charges but after two aborted trials, the prosecution accepted his guilty pleas to lesser charges of causing grievous bodily harm and wounding his victims and kidnapping and indecently assaulting his former girlfriend.

Mr Justice Coghlin said while he would give Kernaghan credit for his guilty plea and clear record, the courts must take into account the devastating long-term effects on the victims.

Eighteen months of the sentence will be served on probation.

Speaking afterwards, Mr Cowan said Kernaghan had got off lightly.

"I don't think it's harsh enough, with what I have been left with. I am left with a life sentence," he said.