Michael Thomas Skillen, 37, from Springfield Avenue in Belfast, received a 12-month custody sentence at Belfast Magistrates’ Court for multiple offences. The charges included aggravated vehicle taking, driving while disqualified, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and threats to kill.

The incident occurred in the early hours of November 9, 2025, on Forfar Street. Police responded to reports of a fight involving up to 15 people and found Skillen intoxicated and aggressive.

Witnesses reported Skillen driving a Kia Stonic and spinning its wheels, leading them to suspect it was stolen. A woman challenged him upon his exit from the vehicle. Skillen punched her, threw her to the ground, and continued the assault.

He threatened to murder the woman and burn her out. Skillen also pulled her hair. A man who intervened to protect her was assaulted by Skillen.

During arrest, Skillen attempted to discard a knuckle duster. Police found cannabis, diazepam, and keys to the Kia, which belonged to another person, in his possession.

Skillen went to hospital after arrest due to concerns over substance intake. He appeared intoxicated from drink or drugs.

District Judge Mark Hammil activated two months of a prior suspended sentence alongside the new term. Defence solicitor Eoghan McKenna stated Skillen entered the vehicle to sleep, but community tensions escalated, leading to reckless actions.