Police welcome sentence handed to Michael Dunlop for his role in murder of Karol Kelly

Detectives from the Police Service of Northern Ireland have acknowledged the sentence handed to Michael Dunlop today, 15 December, Derry Crown Court, sitting in Coleraine.

Dunlop, aged 21, had previously been found guilty of attempting to inflict grievous bodily harm on Karol Kelly.

Today, he received a sentence of five years – half to be served in custody and half to be served on licence.

Detective Inspector Michelle Griffin said: “Mr Kelly, who was aged 35, was stabbed to death in March 2018. The tragic event took place following an altercation at a house in the Grafton Street area of Derry. 

"On leaving the address, Mr Kelly was pursued by three defendants, one of whom is Michael Dunlop.

“Dunlop was found not guilty of murder, but guilty of attempting to inflict grievous bodily harm.

Dunlop first man jailed for murder of Derry man Karol Kelly

Anderson brothers received life sentences earlier this year with minimum time served to be determined by the court

“This was a brutal attack, which left a loving family bereft and an entire community in shock.

“Today’s result is one piece of a bigger picture.  My thoughts remain with Mr Kelly’s family, who remain heartbroken and have had to recall the distressing detail of that day.”