Man Sentenced Over Manslaughter of Father-of-Five Paul Rowlands in Portrush

Jason Murray (42) has been sentenced for the manslaughter of Paul Rowlands, a father of five from Cambridge, who died following an attack in Portrush in July 2022. Murray will serve a minimum of eight years before being considered for release.

Indeterminate Sentence for Manslaughter of Paul Rowlands

A 42-year-old man, Jason Murray, has been sentenced at Belfast Crown Court today for the manslaughter of Paul Rowlands, a 46-year-old father-of-five, following a fatal incident in Portrush in July 2022.

Murray received an indeterminate sentence, meaning he will serve a minimum of eight years in custody before he is eligible for release.

The Tragic Incident

Paul Rowlands, originally from Cambridge, had been staying in Portrush from early June 2022 and was planning to return to England at the end of July. On the morning of Monday 18 July 2022, emergency services were called to Bath Terrace, where Paul was found injured and unresponsive. He was pronounced dead at the scene shortly after.

Murray, arrested later that same day, admitted to assaulting Paul during a drunken argument but claimed he left him alive. A post-mortem revealed Paul died from a brain haemorrhage caused by blunt force trauma to the head.

Investigation and Witnesses

Detective Inspector Claire McGarvey, leading the investigation, credited eyewitness accounts that confirmed the men were drinking and arguing in the area the night before. One witness described seeing the assault, including how Paul was attacked while lying vulnerable on the ground.

“This was a senseless and tragic loss of life,” DI McGarvey stated. “Fueled by alcohol, a verbal altercation escalated into a fatal attack.”

A Family Devastated

Paul’s daughter, Leanne Rowlands, gave an emotional statement on behalf of the family, expressing heartbreak over the loss of their father, brother, and son.

“Dad was our rock, and his cruel and untimely death has turned our worlds upside down,” she said.

She shared memories of her father’s loving nature, sense of humour, love for Doctor Who, Manchester United, and his sweet tooth – always sneaking chocolates down the side of the sofa for his grandchildren.

“Paul’s granddaughter was just 10 months old when his life was taken, and there’s a new grandson in the world now too. They’ll never have the joy of knowing their grandad.”

The family also thanked the Police Service of Northern Ireland for their ongoing support during the investigation and everyone who showed them kindness through the difficult years since Paul’s death.