Menu
14/02/2003
Mother sentenced to two years for killing teenager
A mother of six who knocked down and killed a teenager in north Belfast last year has been sentenced to two years imprisonment.
Alison McKeown, from Newtownabbey, Co Antrim, was found guilty at Belfast Crown Court on January 10 of killing 16-year-old Thomas McDonald on the Whitewell Road last September.
McKeown, a 33-year-old mother of six, ran the boy down after he threw a brick at her car. He later died from serious head injuries.
In addition to the custodial sentence, McKeown will serve two years probation following her release.
McKeown had admitted death by dangerous driving but denied murder. At her trial, McKeown's lawyers argued that she had acted in the heat of the moment and had not intended to seriously injure the boy. In his summing up, Lord Justice McCollum accepted that the intention was not to kill but that McKeown had deliberately run the boy down.
The incident occurred at the height of sectarian tensions surrounding the Holy Cross protests.
(GMcG)
Alison McKeown, from Newtownabbey, Co Antrim, was found guilty at Belfast Crown Court on January 10 of killing 16-year-old Thomas McDonald on the Whitewell Road last September.
McKeown, a 33-year-old mother of six, ran the boy down after he threw a brick at her car. He later died from serious head injuries.
In addition to the custodial sentence, McKeown will serve two years probation following her release.
McKeown had admitted death by dangerous driving but denied murder. At her trial, McKeown's lawyers argued that she had acted in the heat of the moment and had not intended to seriously injure the boy. In his summing up, Lord Justice McCollum accepted that the intention was not to kill but that McKeown had deliberately run the boy down.
The incident occurred at the height of sectarian tensions surrounding the Holy Cross protests.
(GMcG)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
10 January 2003
Woman found guilty of killing teenager
The woman who knocked down and killed a teenage boy on a bicycle in north Belfast last year has been convicted of manslaughter. Allison McKeown was found guilty at Belfast Crown Court today of killing 16-year-old Thomas McDonald on the Whitewell Road last September.
Woman found guilty of killing teenager
The woman who knocked down and killed a teenage boy on a bicycle in north Belfast last year has been convicted of manslaughter. Allison McKeown was found guilty at Belfast Crown Court today of killing 16-year-old Thomas McDonald on the Whitewell Road last September.
25 November 2024
Visit Belfast Celebrates 25 Years of Transforming Tourism Landscape
Visit Belfast, the city's dedicated Destination Marketing and Management Organisation (DMMO), is celebrating a quarter-century of success.
Visit Belfast Celebrates 25 Years of Transforming Tourism Landscape
Visit Belfast, the city's dedicated Destination Marketing and Management Organisation (DMMO), is celebrating a quarter-century of success.
09 July 2002
NI religious attitudes hardening
There is an increasing hardening of attitudes by both Protestants and Catholics towards living, working and learning together according to new research. The research conducted by the University of Ulster reveals that Protestants’ and Catholics’ perceptions of each other are becoming increasingly negative.
NI religious attitudes hardening
There is an increasing hardening of attitudes by both Protestants and Catholics towards living, working and learning together according to new research. The research conducted by the University of Ulster reveals that Protestants’ and Catholics’ perceptions of each other are becoming increasingly negative.
25 November 2024
Ergo Invests £4.5m In NI Expansion
Leading IT solutions provider, Ergo, will invest £4.5 million to expand into Northern Ireland, creating 40 high-quality jobs over the next three years.
Ergo Invests £4.5m In NI Expansion
Leading IT solutions provider, Ergo, will invest £4.5 million to expand into Northern Ireland, creating 40 high-quality jobs over the next three years.
30 June 2023
Mother Jailed For 20 Years For Murder Of Baby Boy
A woman has been jailed for a minimum of 20 years for the murder of her eight-week-old baby boy and attempted murder of her daughter. The defendant, who cannot be named in order to protect the identity of family members, was sentenced today, Friday 30 June, at Belfast Crown Court for event that occurred in north Belfast on Tuesday, 27 July, 2021.
Mother Jailed For 20 Years For Murder Of Baby Boy
A woman has been jailed for a minimum of 20 years for the murder of her eight-week-old baby boy and attempted murder of her daughter. The defendant, who cannot be named in order to protect the identity of family members, was sentenced today, Friday 30 June, at Belfast Crown Court for event that occurred in north Belfast on Tuesday, 27 July, 2021.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
