A female has been sentenced to five years in prison for manslaughter.

At Londonderry Crown Court on Friday 10th February, 43-year-old Shauna Pyper was given a sentence of five years in connection to the manslaughter of Darren McNally. Pyper was found not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter in the death of 46-year-old Darren McNally, who died from a knife wound at Pyper’s home in Derry/Londonderry on June 8th, 2020.

Detective Inspector Claire McGarvey commented on the case, stating that the court heard evidence of the prolonged domestic abuse and violence, including alcohol abuse, in the relationship between Pyper and McNally. Detective Inspector McGarvey added that the case is a tragic reminder that domestic abuse can take many forms, including controlling behaviours and emotional abuse, and that it can escalate to a fatal level.

Detective Inspector McGarvey also encouraged victims of abuse to reach out for help and emphasized that they will be listened to with total respect and sensitivity. The Detective Inspector emphasized that anyone in need can contact the police at 101 or in an emergency, call 999.