Sentence increased for ‘horrific’ Castlederg burglary

Detectives have welcomed an increase in sentence to a 25 year old man in relation to an ‘horrific’ aggravated burglary in Castlederg.

Luke Walls (25) appeared at the Court of Appeal in Belfast on Friday (February 26) and his sentence was increased from three and a half years to six years for aggravated burglary and two counts of common assault.

He will serve three years in prison, backdated to October 2019 when he was remanded in custody, and three years on licence.

The offences relate to an aggravated burglary, which occurred at the Corgary Road area on Tuesday, February 19, 2019.

Detective Constable Ian Fielding said, “The increase in sentencing underlines the horrific ordeal that the victim endured.

“Three occupants – two men aged in their 60s and 70s and a woman, also aged in her 60s who were in the house at the time were left extremely badly shaken by this traumatic incident.

“Everyone has the right to feel safe in their home and we thank the public for their assistance as part of the investigation.

“Tackling this type of crime is a priority to police and we will continue to work to bring the perpetrators of such acts before the courts.”