A man from east Belfast has been sentenced to three years in jail after a "savage assault" on two men.

Mark McKechnie, aged 28, was sentenced yesterday, Wednesday 19 June, at Downpatrick Crown Court for grievous bodily harm, common assault and false imprisonment. McKechnie was convicted following an altercation at a house at Rogers Place on Wednesday 1 March 2023.

The PSNI has described the assault as "particularly savage". When officers arrived at the address they discovered a man who was bleeding heavily, had received several punches to his face and had been hit on the leg with a hatchet.

Detective Chief Inspector Brennan said: "In this sinister assault, McKechnie also threatened his victim, telling him he was going to cut his man’s toes off. Another man at the address also had extensive facial injuries including a badly swollen eye socket, bleeding and heavy bruising to his face. This outcome was a result of good work by initial responders and follow-up detective work, as well as the resilience shown by the injured party throughout the criminal justice process.

"I hope this sentencing sends out a clear message to anyone who thinks they can get away with this type of violent crime. We will work tirelessly to bring offenders before the courts so that that victims receive the justice they deserve.

"I would ask anyone is a victim of crime to contact police on the non-emergency number 101, or 999 in an emergency, or submit a report online here. You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online here.