MARK MCGURK FROM COOKSTOWN AND DUNGANNON INVOLVED IN HORSE STABBING AND SEX OFFENCES

In a case that has shocked the local communities of Cookstown and Dungannon, County Tyrone, Mark McGurk, a 23-year-old known for his troubling history, faced serious allegations involving animal cruelty and sexual offences. The incident involving the brutal stabbing of a horse, which ultimately led to the animal's death, was set to be heard in court, but the proceedings took a dramatic turn at the last minute.

Initially, McGurk had denied any involvement in causing injuries to the horse, which had been severely wounded and later euthanized due to the extent of its suffering. The case was described by a judge as having no defence, emphasizing the brutality of the act. McGurk was on bail at the time, residing on Glenpark Road, Gortin, while awaiting trial. However, he was already serving a prison sentence for a separate sexual offence involving a minor.

While in custody for the earlier offence, McGurk’s legal representatives requested that his bail for the horse stabbing case be revoked. Despite this, McGurk persisted in denying any wrongdoing related to the horse injuries. At the time, he was also on bail for other charges, including a sexual assault on a schoolgirl. This assault occurred during a birthday party on October 5, 2019, where McGurk, under the influence of cocaine and alcohol, engaged in inappropriate conduct.

Following a plea deal, McGurk admitted to a lesser charge of causing unnecessary suffering to the horse, having previously faced accusations of rape. His case drew significant media attention, especially as he was granted a bail variation to attend his girlfriend’s college formal at the Europa Hotel in Belfast, despite ongoing legal issues. He was later sentenced to 15 months in prison for the sexual offence, with a court appearance via video link at Dungannon Magistrates’ Court. Throughout the proceedings, McGurk continued to deny involvement in the horse stabbing, even as District Judge Michael Ranaghan warned him that the case had no defence and that the maximum sentence could be imposed.

Numerous adjournments delayed the case, with a veterinarian prepared to testify about the injuries sustained by the horse, which had to be euthanized. Ultimately, at the eleventh hour, McGurk changed his plea and admitted to deliberately inflicting suffering on the animal. The injuries inflicted were so severe that the horse could not be saved. As part of the plea agreement, the prosecution agreed not to pursue additional charges related to damaging the horse or possessing a knife with intent to commit an offence, as these were encompassed within the accepted plea.

The case was adjourned for sentencing, scheduled for May, with the court to determine the appropriate punishment. This incident has added to McGurk’s troubling criminal record, which also includes a conviction in February 2022 for sexual offences involving a child. In that case, McGurk, who was then living in Aghinduff Park, Dungannon, admitted to engaging in sexual activity with a young girl, leaving her traumatised. He was sentenced to seven months in prison and placed under a Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO).

Details of the 2019 incident reveal that McGurk attended a birthday party in Cookstown, where he became intoxicated on alcohol and cocaine. The victim, a young girl, was present at the party and later joined McGurk in a car for a short drive around the town. During this time, they stopped at a shop where McGurk purchased condoms, initially claiming that the victim had bought them herself, but later admitting otherwise. The pair then traveled to McGurk’s home, where, after the other male driver left, McGurk engaged in sexual activity with the girl indoors. The victim’s phone battery subsequently died, but McGurk insisted he would ensure she got home safely. The court heard that the sexual activity took place indoors, and Judge Sherrard remarked that while the incident was distressing, McGurk was responsible for his own actions. He was sentenced to 15 months in prison, with the sentence to be served half in custody and half on licence, along with a five-year SOPO to prevent future offences.