22/10/2021
Alice Morrow Murder: Man Sentenced To 21 Years
Stephen Hutchinson (45) has been sentenced to 21 years imprisonment for the murder of Alice Morrow(53) at Belfast Crown Court.
Detective Chief Inspector Ray Phelan said: "My thoughts today are with Alice's family and friends.
"Alice, who was a mother of three and a grandmother of three, was subjected to a horrific assault at the hands of her boyfriend, Stephen Hutchinson, which ultimately led to her death.
"Hutchinson has taken away the love and comfort of a devoted mother and grandmother. He has denied Alice's three grandchildren the joy of precious memories with their grandmother. He has denied Alice the right to see her grandchildren grow into adulthood.
"Today's sentencing won't bring Alice back to her family, but I hope it will bring comfort to them knowing that Stephen Hutchinson is now in prison."
Detective Chief Inspector Phelan continued: "Domestic abuse is a disturbing, and often hidden crime that can affect anyone. I would encourage anyone who has suffered domestic abuse to come forward to police – please do not suffer in silence, speak out. We have specially trained officers who will treat you with sensitivity and respect and they will support you throughout the court process.
"If you are concerned that you or another person may be at risk from domestic abuse - You have the 'Right to Ask'.
"The Domestic Violence and Abuse Disclosure Scheme (DVADS) gives members of the public a 'Right to Ask', this is a formal mechanism to make enquiries about an individual who you are in a relationship with, or who is in a relationship with someone you know, where there is a concern that the individual may be violent or abusive towards their partner. The aim of this scheme is to increase public safety and afford victims of domestic abuse with better protection by enabling potential victims to make an informed choice on whether to continue the relationship - it also provides them with help and support."
Detective Chief Inspector Ray Phelan said: "My thoughts today are with Alice's family and friends.
"Alice, who was a mother of three and a grandmother of three, was subjected to a horrific assault at the hands of her boyfriend, Stephen Hutchinson, which ultimately led to her death.
"Hutchinson has taken away the love and comfort of a devoted mother and grandmother. He has denied Alice's three grandchildren the joy of precious memories with their grandmother. He has denied Alice the right to see her grandchildren grow into adulthood.
"Today's sentencing won't bring Alice back to her family, but I hope it will bring comfort to them knowing that Stephen Hutchinson is now in prison."
Detective Chief Inspector Phelan continued: "Domestic abuse is a disturbing, and often hidden crime that can affect anyone. I would encourage anyone who has suffered domestic abuse to come forward to police – please do not suffer in silence, speak out. We have specially trained officers who will treat you with sensitivity and respect and they will support you throughout the court process.
"If you are concerned that you or another person may be at risk from domestic abuse - You have the 'Right to Ask'.
"The Domestic Violence and Abuse Disclosure Scheme (DVADS) gives members of the public a 'Right to Ask', this is a formal mechanism to make enquiries about an individual who you are in a relationship with, or who is in a relationship with someone you know, where there is a concern that the individual may be violent or abusive towards their partner. The aim of this scheme is to increase public safety and afford victims of domestic abuse with better protection by enabling potential victims to make an informed choice on whether to continue the relationship - it also provides them with help and support."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
24 January 2024
PSNI Received 2,228 Domestic-Abuse Calls Over Christmas Period
The PSNI responded to a total of 2,228 domestic abuse calls between 20th November 2023 and 2nd January 2024, during their annual Operation 'Season's Greetings'. On these key festive dates from 24th December 2023 to 1st January 2024, the service also arrested more under 18s for domestic abuse related offences than the previous three years.
PSNI Received 2,228 Domestic-Abuse Calls Over Christmas Period
The PSNI responded to a total of 2,228 domestic abuse calls between 20th November 2023 and 2nd January 2024, during their annual Operation 'Season's Greetings'. On these key festive dates from 24th December 2023 to 1st January 2024, the service also arrested more under 18s for domestic abuse related offences than the previous three years.
24 March 2009
NI Domestic Call-Outs 'Endemic'
Police respond to a domestic call-out every 23 minutes in Northern Ireland, in what has been described as an 'endemic problem' of abuse in the home. According to a report by the Policing Board, one in four women in the province will be attacked by their partner.
NI Domestic Call-Outs 'Endemic'
Police respond to a domestic call-out every 23 minutes in Northern Ireland, in what has been described as an 'endemic problem' of abuse in the home. According to a report by the Policing Board, one in four women in the province will be attacked by their partner.
11 February 2009
Domestic Violence Targeted
There has been a call for more to be done to tackle the issue of domestic violence. Members of the Northern Ireland Policing Board met this week with senior police officers and officials from the Department of Health & Social Services to discuss ongoing programmes of work to deal with both domestic violence and abuse.
Domestic Violence Targeted
There has been a call for more to be done to tackle the issue of domestic violence. Members of the Northern Ireland Policing Board met this week with senior police officers and officials from the Department of Health & Social Services to discuss ongoing programmes of work to deal with both domestic violence and abuse.
26 February 2009
Domestic Abuse Targeted By Policing Board
With police attending around 300 calls to domestic incidents weekly, yesterday's focus by the Northern Ireland Policing Board on the issue is being seen as particularly timely, especially as an inquiry into the issue is due for publication next month.
Domestic Abuse Targeted By Policing Board
With police attending around 300 calls to domestic incidents weekly, yesterday's focus by the Northern Ireland Policing Board on the issue is being seen as particularly timely, especially as an inquiry into the issue is due for publication next month.
01 December 2022
Staff Experiencing Domestic Abuse Need More Support – Alliance
The Alliance Party has called on employers to review their policies and procedures to ensure those experiencing domestic abuse receive the right support. The International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women marked the launch of the UNiTE campaign — 16 days of activism concluding on International Human Rights Day (10 December).
Staff Experiencing Domestic Abuse Need More Support – Alliance
The Alliance Party has called on employers to review their policies and procedures to ensure those experiencing domestic abuse receive the right support. The International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women marked the launch of the UNiTE campaign — 16 days of activism concluding on International Human Rights Day (10 December).