DARRYN JOHN ARMSTRONG SENTENCED FOR MURDER OF TWO-YEAR-OLD ALI JAYDEN DOYLE IN DUNGANNON

Darryn John Armstrong has been formally convicted and sentenced for the tragic and brutal murder of two-year-old Ali Jayden Doyle. The court heard that Armstrong, aged 35 and currently residing in Maghaberry Prison, was responsible for a heinous act that led to the child's death from severe head injuries. The sentence handed down was a minimum of 20 years behind bars, reflecting the gravity of his actions and the devastating impact on the victim's family and community.

According to court records, Armstrong admitted that on the morning of August 6, 2021, he was at his residence in the Park Avenue area of Dungannon. During this incident, he was holding Ali Jayden in his arms when he deliberately threw her into a fireplace. The force of the impact caused her head to strike the hearth, resulting in fatal injuries. Court testimonies revealed that Armstrong was under the influence of cannabis at the time, and he described feeling frustrated and losing control of his actions. Despite the severity of the crime, Armstrong showed no remorse during the proceedings, a fact emphasized by the presiding judge, Mr. Justice McAlinden.

It was also disclosed that the incident occurred despite existing Child Protection Plans that explicitly prohibited Armstrong from having contact with the children. His wife, Jade Dempsey, was also sentenced to three years probation for neglecting her responsibilities and exposing the child to unnecessary suffering. The tragic event unfolded after Ali Jayden was left in Armstrong's care, a breach of social services restrictions. Prior to her death, she was in the care of her mother, who had left her with Armstrong, despite the restrictions in place.

Further details revealed that Armstrong initially attempted to shift blame, claiming that her one-year-old brother was responsible for her injuries. However, he later confessed to his guilt, acknowledging his role in her death. The court was informed that the child sustained head trauma after hitting the fireplace, and her injuries were fatal.

Public officials, including Detective Chief Inspector Anthony Kelly and Acting Assistant Director of the Prosecution Service Catherine Kierans, expressed their sorrow and grief over Ali Jayden's death. They highlighted the profound and lasting impact her loss has had on her family and the wider community. Outside the court, her father, Dylan Doyle, spoke emotionally, stating, "We as a family will never forget our beautiful little girl Ali. She will always be in our hearts. We will never be able to accept that such a beautiful young child can be so cruelly taken from us."

The court also took into account the time Armstrong has spent in remand, which will be deducted from his sentence. It was made clear that his eventual release will be contingent upon the parole process, ensuring ongoing assessment of his rehabilitation and risk to the community.