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David Austin Sentenced 16½ Years; McCooks Get 4-Year Terms

5/30/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The court called the killing of Steven Peck a planned, brutal assault that shocked the Ballymoney community.
David Austin received a 16½-year prison term for the January 2021 laneway attack on Steven Peck in Ballymoney, County Antrim.
Brian McCook, Stephen McCook and Easther McCook were sentenced for assisting the offender, receiving four-year custodial-licence terms for the brothers and a two-year suspended sentence for Easther.

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Story summary

The court called the killing of Steven Peck a planned, brutal assault that shocked the Ballymoney community.
David Austin received a 16½-year prison term for the January 2021 laneway attack on Steven Peck in Ballymoney, County Antrim.
Brian McCook, Stephen McCook and Easther McCook were sentenced for assisting the offender, receiving four-year custodial-licence terms for the brothers and a two-year suspended sentence for Easther.