WATCH: Man jailed for 2018 murder of Brian Phelan

By Q Radio News

A 30-year-old man has been ordered to serve at least 22 years behind bars for the murder of Brian Phelan on the outskirts of Newry in 2018.

Mr Phelan was stabbed three times in the neck and twice in the body during an attack on the remote Carrivekeeney Road, near the village of Camlough.

Daniel Martin James Carroll, from Edward Street in Portadown, but originally from Newry, was found guilty of Mr Phelan's murder at Newry Crown Court earlier this year.

Handing down sentence at Newry Crown Court today, Judge Gordon Kerr QC told Carroll, that the fact that he stabbed his victim five times including two severe wounds to his neck, “makes it clear that this was a vicious and murderous attack….and is only consistent with an intention to kill.”

Having outlined how Carroll drove after fatally injured and heavily bleeding victim with the “clear inference” that he was trying to run him over, the judge told Carroll the “lack of humanity” he displayed toward his dying victim, “shows a degree of callousness far beyond the comprehension of normal people.”

Judge Kerr told the 30-year-old the devastation he had wrought on the family and friends of Brian Phelan was best emphasised by a hand written letter he had received from the victim’s young daughter. 

Reading from the note, Judge Kerr outlined how the little girl said her daddy “was a kind and loving father.”

She wrote: “When I felt sad he always made me laugh. I felt safe when I was with my daddy until that bold man took him away from me. 

"On that horrible day my Mummy told me that daddy had went to heaven. She said that he was with the angels. I was just so confused and started crying. I hope this bold man can never hurt any child’s father again.”

WATCH 📽️: Brian Phelan’s devastated partner, Amanda O’Riordan, talks about the impact killer Daniel Carroll has had on her family.

She spoke to reporters outside Newry Crown Court earlier today, after Carroll was jailed for 22 years for the 2018 killing. pic.twitter.com/368XiOFcQd

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) December 17, 2021

Detective Superintendent Eamonn Corrigan, who led the investigation, spoke to reporters outside the court after the sentencing.

He said: “Today our thoughts are very much with Brian’s two children, his mother, two sisters and his ex-partner.

“Daniel Carroll cruelly cut Brian Phelan’s life short on the 26th July 2018 when he stabbed him in the neck and then proceeded to chase him for a period of time. Whilst Brian sat mortally wounded on the ground, Carroll callously proceeded to rifle through his pockets and steal money from him, before the left the scene. 

“Whilst lying wounded Brian had to phone police himself to ask for help.  Unfortunately his life could not be saved and he died at the scene at Carrivekeeney Road, Newry.

He added: “Through the dedication of the investigating officers and working closely with our partners in the Public Prosecution Service, Daniel Carroll was found guilty of the murder of Brian Phelan and sentenced today.

“Daniel Carroll has robbed Brian’s two young children of their father, his mother of her son, his sisters of their brother and his ex-partner of the father of her children.  There will be no more memories made together; no more birthdays celebrated.  They have all been left bereft.  Unfortunately Brian’s father never lived to see his killer brought to justice.  

“This is a family who has suffered unimaginable grief.”

“I know that today’s sentencing will not bring Brian back, however I hope that it brings some sort of comfort to his family, knowing that Daniel Carroll is now serving time in prison for taking Brian's life."

(Brian Phelan and his partner Amanda O'Riordan)