NAVY VETERAN SENTENCED FOR BRUTAL MURDER OF EX-PARTNER
William Finlay, aged 68 and from Olde Forde Gardens in Whitehead, was found guilty of murdering his former partner, Alyson Nelson.Court proceedings revealed that Ms Nelson, who was 64, had been stabbed seven times at her home in April 2022.
Although Finlay initially denied any involvement, he later pleaded guilty to the crime last year.
The prosecution argued that jealousy drove him to commit the attack.
Evidence included footage from Ms Nelson’s doorbell camera, showing Finlay entering her residence, and approximately one minute later, leaving the scene and wiping a knife with a cloth before walking away.
It was established in court that the killing was deliberate, with Finlay bringing a pair of latex gloves and a knife to the house.
The assault involved multiple stab wounds to her face, arms, chest, and back, and was described as both prolonged and violent.
The judge highlighted the devastating impact of the death on her family, noting her caring nature—she looked after her mother and children.
Finlay, who served 25 years in the Navy, had a history of violent conduct, including convictions for assault and harassment.
He claimed to have no memory of the incident, a statement the judge found uncredible.
Describing the murder as ruthless and planned, the judge sentenced Finlay to 20 years in prison, with a minimum of 23 years before parole eligibility.
The court emphasized that the killing lacked any innocent motive and dismissed Finlay’s expressions of remorse as insincere.
This case marked the first instance in Northern Ireland under new legislation where a murder committed with domestic abuse motives was convicted.
Alyson Nelson was remembered as a cherished mother, grandmother, and sister, and her family mourned her loss, especially given the brutal circumstances of her death.
