DETECTIVES have welcomed the sentences handed down to three men, who were convicted following a serious and brutal assault which took place in the south Belfast area on 2019.

22 year old Dean Clarke from Belfast, 20 year old Nathan McCrory from Lisburn and 20 year old Geordie Brown from Belfast were sentenced at Belfast Crown Court today for their involvement in the crime which occurred at the Donegall Road area on Friday, May 3.

One male aged 17 at the time of the incident was assaulted in a flat in the area, which left him in a critical condition following the assault.

All three men were each sentenced to 8 years’ imprisonment for grievous bodily harm with intent.  

22 year old Clarke was subject to an extended custodial sentence and will have a further to a 3 years on license for his role in the assault.

Detective Constable McAllister said: “This was a vicious attack during which a male was brutally assaulted.

“Not only was the male left with physical injuries, but also left extremely distressed by what was a nasty and cruel attack.

“I want to thank the victim for his cooperation and his courage during this investigation, and I hope the sentences handed down to the perpetrators of this despicable crime will bring some comfort to the victim after such a horrific ordeal.”