COOKSTOWN MAN KEITH HENRY CONVICTED OF DOMESTIC ABUSE AFTER VICTIM'S CAMPAIGN FOR JUSTICE
Keith Henry, a man from Muntober Road in Cookstown, has been convicted of multiple charges of domestic abuse.He pleaded not guilty to five domestic abuse offences, including two counts of common assault, non-fatal strangulation, and causing physical and psychological harm to his victim during the period from August 2022 to July 2024.
The court found him guilty, and he is scheduled to be sentenced in the coming weeks.
The victim, Wanita McCrea, publicly shared her ordeal, stating she experienced significant challenges going through the justice process.
She reported that she felt like she was fighting the justice system and had to leave her home after speaking with police, living with family and unable to retrieve her possessions.
Wanita described feeling like a criminal during police interviews, especially after Henry accused her of abuse in retaliation.
Her 18-year-old son also received a police caution for possession of an offensive weapon after intervening during an altercation with Henry.
Wanita expressed her frustration, saying she was left with nothing and facing difficulties in finding support and temporary accommodation.
Despite the trauma, she praised the support of her lead detective and organizations such as Assist NI and Women’s Aid.
The case highlights the need for legal reforms to better support domestic abuse victims and prevent them from becoming homeless or facing further hardship.
Henry was also initially charged with a stalking offence, which was later withdrawn, but his other charges stand, and he remains due for sentencing.
