The King v Sebastian Nowak
| Jurisdiction | Northern Ireland |
| Judge | O'Hara J |
| Judgment Date | 08 December 2023 |
| Neutral Citation | [2023] NICC 34 |
| Court | Crown Court (Northern Ireland) |
1
Neutral Citation No: [2023] NICC 34
Judgment: approved by the court for handing down
(subject to editorial corrections)*
Ref: OHA12357
ICOS No: 20/052326
Delivered: 08/12/2023
IN THE CROWN COURT IN NORTHERN IRELAND
SITTING AT LAGANSIDE COURTHOUSE
___________
THE KING
v
SEBASTIAN NOWAK
___________
Mr Weir KC with Mr G McCrudden (instructed by the PPS) for the Crown
Mr Duffy KC with Mr McStay (instructed by Ferris & Co, Solicitors) for the Defendant
___________
SENTENCING REMARKS
___________
O’HARA J
Introduction
[1] Mr Brian Coulter was 62 years old when he was found dead in his own home
in Magherafelt on 18 October 2021 by his sister, Belinda Wilson. Her horrific
discovery, shortly after noon that day, became even worse for her as the
circumstances of his death emerged and, particularly, as the events which occurred
after his death were revealed.
[2] Despite an earlier productive life serving the community as a police officer,
Mr Coulter’s life had gone down hill over many years. He was an alcoholic who was
weak and frail and had many health problems. As a result of seizures, he had lost
power in his right hand and had an associated weakness on his right side.
Ms Wilson had taken on what was in effect a caring role for him, calling in once or
twice a week to check on him and help him with basic functions like groceries,
medication, washing and cleaning.
[3] When she last saw him alive in his home on 12 October, she found the place a
mess. A Polish man and a local woman were there. Ms Wilson got the man to help
her tidy and clean. To her dismay her brother had bruising to his face and a black
eye which she thought may have been caused by a fall. In her police statement she
To continue reading
Request your trial