A man has been sentenced to 22 months in prison today for strangling and assaulting a woman at a bus stop. Ryan Gerard Murray pleaded guilty to non-fatal strangulation and assault causing bodily harm during an incident in May last year. The judge, Patrick Lynch KC, ruled that Murray, who has no fixed address, will serve half the sentence in prison and the other half on supervised release.
The court heard that a couple driving on Antrim Road in the northern part of the city witnessed a disturbing scene at a bus stop where a man was strangling a woman. Initially mistaking the situation for CPR, the couple intervened when they realized the gravity of the situation. The woman was heard arguing with Murray about money before he physically assaulted her.
Police arrived at the scene to find both Murray and the woman intoxicated. Despite her injuries, the woman did not file a complaint against Murray. During his arrest, Murray remained silent during questioning but later admitted to the charges.
While acknowledging Murray’s history of drug and alcohol-related offenses, the court emphasized that this incident was not related to domestic abuse. Murray’s lawyer highlighted his client’s struggles with addiction and expressed his remorse and willingness to change. Judge Lynch noted Murray’s efforts to address his addiction issues while in custody.
Judge Lynch underscored the severity of the offenses, pointing out the lasting physical and psychological effects of non-fatal strangulation on victims. Murray’s sentence reflects the gravity of his actions as the court considers the impact on the victim and the need for accountability and rehabilitation.