This week’s court news includes murder sentences, abuse convictions, and a TV presenter’s drunk driving case in NI.
A man brutally attacked his partner’s cousin, striking the sleeping man’s head many times. The court sentenced him to at least 15 years. Denis Curtis Shearer died in Bangor in February 2021. Timothy Walker, 43, showed no emotion at the sentencing.
Natalie Brannigan, 42, helped Walker after the murder. She drove him after he burned his car, taking him to Holywood and Newtownards. The court gave her a suspended two-year sentence because she knew Walker did something terrible.
Craig Rowland shook his baby son very hard, causing severe brain damage. The baby died at age three from surgery issues. Rowland will spend 20 years in jail for murder, though he denies responsibility for his son’s death.
Laura Graham, the baby’s mom, was also sentenced. She and Rowland neglected their son. They did not get him medical care quickly. Graham got probation and community service, with Rowland’s sentence running concurrently with his murder term.
Ryan Hand, a TV presenter, drove drunk and crashed into another car last September. He was over twice the legal limit. Hand pleaded guilty to drunk driving and careless driving.
The other driver broke her ankle. The judge banned Hand from driving for 18 months and fined him £500.
Judith Evans, a teacher, abused a 14-year-old. She will spend two years in jail and is on the Sex Offenders Register for life. The judge stated she groomed the vulnerable child.
Evans initially denied the charges, even accusing the boy of rape. She later admitted to several offenses that happened between March and May 2024. Evans can’t work with children anymore.
Hazel Templeton sexually abused a child four decades ago. Templeton, now 79, was sentenced to over two years in jail. She abused a 12-year-old boy in 1984.
Templeton blamed the victim for her actions. The judge said she acted for sexual pleasure. The victim stated she stole his childhood, and he hopes others won’t stay silent.