Man sentenced to 40 months following Carrickfergus knife assault

Woman struck with knife at Carrickfergus property

Detective Inspector Lenaghan said the incident happened on Wednesday, 9 April 2025.

Police were told Dunlop struck the female occupant of an address in Carrickfergus with a knife before attempting to force his way into the property.

He then attempted to strike the arm of a male occupant as the man tried to close the door.

Police said Dunlop also used the knife to puncture a tyre on the victim’s vehicle, which was parked outside the premises.

Damage was also caused to the apartment door.

Police forced entry to Dunlop’s home

Later that evening, police attended Dunlop’s home.

According to Detective Inspector Lenaghan, officers repeatedly called for Dunlop to open the door but received no response.

Police eventually forced entry.

The detective said:

“Dunlop initially tried to hold his door shut before presenting with a baseball bat. He was subsequently arrested, and charged.”

Dunlop was later prosecuted for the offences.

More information and updates from the Police Service of Northern Ireland are available on the PSNI website.

Police respond following Belfast Crown Court sentencing

Following the sentencing, Detective Inspector Lenaghan said the outcome demonstrated the police commitment to tackling criminality.

He said:

“Today’s sentencing offers reassurance that police remain committed to disrupting the activities of those involved with criminality and will use what means possible to bring people before the courts.”

Further information about Northern Ireland’s court system is available through the Department of Justice court offices information page.

Information about how criminal cases are considered and prosecuted is also available from the Public Prosecution Service for Northern Ireland.

Reporting crime to police

Anyone who needs to report a non-emergency crime or incident can contact the Police Service of Northern Ireland on 101 or use the PSNI online reporting and contact service.

In an emergency, where there is an immediate danger to life or someone feels threatened, call 999.