Man Jailed for Machete Attack After Social Media Posts Targeting Woman

A man from Belfast has been jailed for eight-and-a-half years after carrying out a vicious machete attack on a woman following online harassment.

James Murray (24), who is currently in custody at HMP Maghaberry, was deemed a dangerous offender by the Probation Board and Judge Patrick Lynch KC.

The Attack

Belfast Crown Court heard that Murray had been posting derogatory comments about the victim and her family on social media. These posts included threats against her, leaving her fearful and prompting her to confront him.

The attack happened on January 10, 2023, in Belfast. The victim, after being alerted to Murray’s posts by a friend who was previously in a relationship with him, encountered Murray on the street. He surprised her by producing a machete from his jacket.

The victim ran for safety but Murray caught up with her and slashed at her head. She fell to the ground and instinctively tucked her legs up to protect herself. Murray then repeatedly slashed her legs with the machete, causing severe injuries, including deep lacerations.

Consequences and Remorse

The victim suffered “residual nerve damage” and “long-term scarring” as a result of the attack. She also expressed a deep fear for her life that night and continues to live with the physical and emotional pain.

During his arrest, Murray denied posting online threats and refused to answer questions about the attack. He later pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

Sentencing

Defense barrister Greg Berry KC acknowledged Murray’s history of drug addiction and his turbulent lifestyle, while highlighting his progress in seeking counseling while in custody.

But Judge Lynch emphasized the severity of the crime, stating, “It is clear that anger management is a serious problem for this defendant, as had been his use of illegal drugs.” He called the attack “gratuitous violence involving the use of a weapon by a person incapable of defending herself.”

Murray was sentenced to eight-and-a-half years in prison, followed by an extended license period of three years.

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