BELFAST MAN JAILED FOR KILLING MUM IN STABBING ATTACK
A 23-year-old man from Haywood Avenue, south Belfast, named Jordan Kennedy, was convicted of the murder of his mother, Emma Jane McParland, aged 39.He carried out the fatal stabbing in her flat near Ormeau Road during April 2020.
Kennedy appeared before Belfast Crown Court via video link for a tariff decision after he admitted to the murder in November of the previous year.
The court handed down a sentence requiring him to serve at least 14 years in prison before being eligible for parole.
Emma McParland was found with five stab wounds and was pronounced dead after rescue efforts failed.
Kennedy accepted responsibility for her death, explaining that his actions were driven by his belief that she was involved romantically with some of his friends, which angered and humiliated him.
The killing took place while she was at home with two friends; one of whom heard her shouting, 'What are you doing Jordan?
Stop.' When she saw Kennedy brandishing a knife at her doorway, she exclaimed these words before being physically assaulted.
Kennedy then absconded but was quickly detained by police, who found a bloodied kitchen knife in a bin behind her residence.
The court highlighted that although Kennedy showed remorse, there were ongoing family tensions, and his actions deeply affected her loved ones.
The judge remarked that Kennedy’s feelings of affection and protectiveness towards his mother were in stark contrast to his later violent act, and that he was in breach of previous sentences and licences at the time of the murder.
