DOWNPATRICK POLICE OFFICER SENTENCED FOR DOMESTIC ABUSE AND ASSAULT

A Downpatrick police officer, Alan McKinney, has been sentenced to probation and community service after pleading guilty to charges of domestic abuse and common assault against a former partner. The court heard that McKinney, of Rocksfield Way, Crossgar, admitted to a campaign of domestic abuse spanning from September 1, 2022, to September 8, 2024, and to a common assault incident on May 4, 2024. He had been in a relationship with the victim for 14 years and has three children with her, though they separated in 2020. Following their split, McKinney had been sleeping outside the house in his car and causing distress to the victim's family before beginning a campaign of abuse, including calling her obscene names and making disturbing remarks in front of her family. Some abuse was captured on video, including a threat where he said she 'deserved to have her throat cut,' and he told her she was being watched by police software and was 'known to police.' During the assault on May 4, 2024, McKinney approached the victim while she was drinking wine in bed, grabbed her leg, twisted it, and caused her pain. Police reports indicate that he initially denied the offences, claiming the victim had mental health issues, but later admitted to the charges. The court was presented with a 10-page victim impact statement highlighting the severe emotional impact on her and her family. Despite the abuse, she expressed a desire for McKinney to get help rather than be destroyed. The judge sentenced him to 18 months probation and 100 hours community service, noting that while the offences were serious enough for custody, the victim's wishes and circumstances led to this lighter sentence. McKinney is also required to notify probation services if he enters a future relationship and must live at an approved address. It was noted that he is likely to lose his job due to the conviction, and he was described as 'embarrassed' by his actions.