Menu
16/04/2008
Victim Condemns 'Too Light' 12 Year Sentence
A police officer who was left in a wheelchair after being shot by a spurned colleague has condemned the sentence handed down to his former lover.
The police sergeant is now paralysed, while the policewoman who shot him has today been sentenced to 12 years in jail.
Diane Northcott, 41, pleaded guilty to attempted murder after trying to kill her ex lover when she shot him with her police issue handgun.
Sergeant Laurence Smyth was shot several times inside Newtownabbey police station in September 2006.
The pair had been having an affair, but after the sergeant tried to end the relationship she arrived at the police station and shot him in the neck and thigh.
Sgt Smyth suffered spinal injuries and is now confined to a wheelchair.
At a sentencing hearing at Belfast Crown Court, Justice Hart said the consequences of Northcott's attack warranted a heavy sentence.
"Of particular significance is the catastrophic nature of the injuries she has inflicted upon Sergeant Smyth, and the extremely grave disability from which he will suffer for the rest of his life," he said.
"This requires a sentence at the upper end of the appropriate scale for cases of attempted murder."
Speaking outside the court, Sergeant Smyth said the sentence was "far too light".
"In six years time she will walk out, but I will still be in the wheelchair," he said.
(BMcC)
The police sergeant is now paralysed, while the policewoman who shot him has today been sentenced to 12 years in jail.
Diane Northcott, 41, pleaded guilty to attempted murder after trying to kill her ex lover when she shot him with her police issue handgun.
Sergeant Laurence Smyth was shot several times inside Newtownabbey police station in September 2006.
The pair had been having an affair, but after the sergeant tried to end the relationship she arrived at the police station and shot him in the neck and thigh.
Sgt Smyth suffered spinal injuries and is now confined to a wheelchair.
At a sentencing hearing at Belfast Crown Court, Justice Hart said the consequences of Northcott's attack warranted a heavy sentence.
"Of particular significance is the catastrophic nature of the injuries she has inflicted upon Sergeant Smyth, and the extremely grave disability from which he will suffer for the rest of his life," he said.
"This requires a sentence at the upper end of the appropriate scale for cases of attempted murder."
Speaking outside the court, Sergeant Smyth said the sentence was "far too light".
"In six years time she will walk out, but I will still be in the wheelchair," he said.
(BMcC)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
22 August 2017
Man Arrested Over Murder Of Colin Horner
A 46-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the murder of Colin Horner in Bangor, Co Down. Mr Horner was fatally shot outside a supermarket in from of his young son on 28 May this year. The suspect has been taken to Musgrave police station to be questioned.
Man Arrested Over Murder Of Colin Horner
A 46-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the murder of Colin Horner in Bangor, Co Down. Mr Horner was fatally shot outside a supermarket in from of his young son on 28 May this year. The suspect has been taken to Musgrave police station to be questioned.
23 August 2004
Sister of IRA man shot dead meets Chief Constable
The sister of an IRA man shot dead during an SAS operation outside Loughall police station 16 years ago has met PSNI Chief Constable Hugh Orde today.
Sister of IRA man shot dead meets Chief Constable
The sister of an IRA man shot dead during an SAS operation outside Loughall police station 16 years ago has met PSNI Chief Constable Hugh Orde today.
14 May 2012
Seven Police Officers Disciplined Over Pensioner's Death
Seven police officers have been disciplined over an investigation into the death of Lisburn man Jim Heasley in October 2010. The 70-year-old was assaulted as he walked home from Lagan Valley Pigeon Club. An investigation by the Police Ombudsman found a series of failings in the initial police response.
Seven Police Officers Disciplined Over Pensioner's Death
Seven police officers have been disciplined over an investigation into the death of Lisburn man Jim Heasley in October 2010. The 70-year-old was assaulted as he walked home from Lagan Valley Pigeon Club. An investigation by the Police Ombudsman found a series of failings in the initial police response.
23 June 2016
Police Officers Disciplined For Failing To Tell Doctor About Woman's Head Injuries
Two police officers have been disciplined after they failed to let their colleagues and a police doctor know that a woman had sustained a head injury, a Police Ombudsman investigation has concluded. The woman died from bleeding to the brain on 24 February 2014, the day after she suffered the injury.
Police Officers Disciplined For Failing To Tell Doctor About Woman's Head Injuries
Two police officers have been disciplined after they failed to let their colleagues and a police doctor know that a woman had sustained a head injury, a Police Ombudsman investigation has concluded. The woman died from bleeding to the brain on 24 February 2014, the day after she suffered the injury.
19 November 2024
Two Arrested After High-Speed Police Chase In West Belfast
Two men have been arrested following a high-speed police chase in west Belfast early Monday morning. At around 2:30 AM, police spotted a white Volkswagen Golf traveling at excessive speed on the Westlink.
Two Arrested After High-Speed Police Chase In West Belfast
Two men have been arrested following a high-speed police chase in west Belfast early Monday morning. At around 2:30 AM, police spotted a white Volkswagen Golf traveling at excessive speed on the Westlink.
-
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.
