The Court of Appeal has dismissed an appeal by Barry Maguire against his five-year prison sentence for domestic abuse and non-fatal strangulation offences. The 41-year-old, from Omagh with an address on Southwell Road in Bangor, targeted his former partner, a qualified doctor.

Maguire began the relationship in 2021 when the woman was isolated without nearby family or friends. Verbal abuse escalated to physical attacks including strangulation and choking. He removed her phone and wallet to prevent her seeking assistance.

In November 2023, a neighbour called Police Service of Northern Ireland after an altercation at the home. Officers found the woman crawling away on hands and knees with bruises across her body from prolonged violence. Police noted repeated incidents where Maguire pinned her down and covered her mouth and nose, leaving her unable to breathe.

Maguire filmed the woman while forcing her to eat food from the floor and spat on her during strangulations. He admitted the offences and received the sentence at Dungannon Crown Court in October 2023, half in custody and half on licence.

Defence barristers Ian Turkington KC and Damien Halleron argued the term was excessive and based on incorrect sentencing methodology for domestic abuse cases. Prosecution maintained the sentence fitted the humiliating conduct. Lady Chief Justice Dame Siobhan Keegan noted a different sentencing process should have applied but ruled the term appropriate regardless. Full reasons will follow within three weeks.