MAN JAILED FOR DOMESTIC ABUSE OF EX-PARTNER
A Belfast resident convicted of subjecting his former partner to a degrading and painful assault has been handed a prison term.During sentencing on Tuesday, Judge Patrick Lynch KC sentenced 38-year-old Thomas Anthony Gavin McAllister to three years in prison.
The court acknowledged that the assault took place within a controlling, abusive relationship.
McAllister, who lives on Edlingham Street, had already been detained for 300 days while awaiting trial on charges related to his ex-partner.
His sentence was split equally between jail and a supervised release period.
Court proceedings revealed that the relationship, which began amicably in June 2023, devolved into violence by September, with McAllister abusing his partner, who has Multiple Sclerosis, inside her home—often after drinking and drug use.
Evidence presented showed that McAllister broke a wooden chopping board over her back during a dispute, struck her head with ceiling plaster, and pulled her by her hair, Belfast Crown Court was told.
He also mockingly taunted her and exercised control by taking her bank card and using her funds to buy illicit substances.
In March 2024, he further injured her by grabbing her ankle and bending her leg over her head while she watched TV.
His actions caused her severe pain, leading to hospital treatment and the fitting of a leg brace because of her MS.
After his arrest in March 2024, McAllister either denied the charges or chose to remain silent during police interviews.
He later pleaded guilty to causing actual bodily harm on March 9, 2024, and to damaging household items including a picture of her late grandmother and a glass lamp on March 16, 2024.
He also admitted to a pattern of domestic abuse spanning from late September 2023 to late March 2024, which was likely to cause harm.
Defence lawyer Paul Burns explained that both sides welcomed McAllister’s guilty pleas.
He said McAllister was remorseful and regretful, expressing no intention to harm her further and expecting no further contact.
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Burns added that McAllister has developmental and cognitive impairments that influenced his conduct.
The victim’s impact statement, read aloud by the judge, detailed the physical pain and emotional trauma endured.
She described her ongoing leg pain and said that the incident was both painful and humiliating.
She recounted how she repeatedly asked McAllister to leave her home, which he refused, and described how he controlled and threatened her in the relationship.
While grateful for his guilty plea, she emphasised that the harm inflicted will remain with her permanently.
Judge Lynch characterised the domestic violence as severe, citing the ongoing controlling behaviour.
Taking into account his time already served, the court sentenced McAllister to 33 months in prison.
