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Man jailed for 15 years for murder of Denis Shearer

Kelly Bonner
BBC News NI
Family handout Denis Shearer is wearing rectangular glasses as he stares into the camera. The background is blurred. Denis has light thinning hair and is wearing a white shirt and dark jacket.Family handout
Denis Shearer from Bangor was attacked during his sleep and later died in hospital from his injuries

A man who killed his partner's cousin by striking him up to nine times in the head has been jailed for 15 years.

Timothy Walker, 43, whose address was given as HMP Maghaberry and who is originally from Abbey Ring in Holywood, murdered Denis Shearer in a "brutal and sustained attack".

Mr Shearer was attacked at his home on 28 February 2021 and died in hospital nine days later.

Mr Justice O'Hara said his injuries were so bad they were "initially thought to be gun shot wounds".

The court was told "[Walker] set out armed with a weapon and beat [Shearer] so hard he left blood all over the wall and bed".

He said: "There was one simple truth. Walker drove to Mr Shearer's house and murdered him causing terrible long-term damage to those who loved Denis Shearer."

Natalie Brannigan, 42, from The Green in Holywood, admitted a charge of assisting offenders and was given a two-year sentence, suspended for two years.

Four people standing outside Belfast Crown Court. A man wearing a coat, shirt and tie speaks at microphones while holding a notepad. Standing on either side of him are three women
Det Ch Insp Neil McGuinness said the loss of Mr Shearer "is profoundly felt" by his family

Speaking outside court, Det Ch Insp Neil McGuinness from the Police Service of Northern Ireland said Mr Shearer's death was a "senseless loss of a young life".

He added that Mr Shearer's foster mother has been left heartbroken, while his birth mother has also "suffered the devastating effects".