Full Breakdown
Murder of Steven Peck: Sentencing of David Austin and Accomplices
5/30/2026, 12:27:39 AM
The Crime and Court Verdict
In January 2021, 33-year-old Steven Peck was lured to a laneway in Ballymoney, County Antrim, under the pretense of meeting a woman who was, in fact, married to David Austin. Austin, 59, together with Brian McCook, 30, and Stephen McCook, 34, beat, kicked and struck Peck twice with an iron bar. Peck died six days later in hospital. At sentencing, Austin received a term of 16½ years before eligibility for release. The McCook brothers were each sentenced to four years—two years in custody followed by two years on licence—for assisting an offender. Their mother, Easther McCook, 51, was given a two-year suspended sentence for perverting the course of justice by providing false alibis.
Background of the Attack
The prosecution described a coordinated plan: Austin arranged the meeting, the three men concealed the victim, and after the assault they attempted to destroy evidence and fabricate alibis. Catherine Kierans, assistant director of the Public Prosecution Service (PPS), called the level of collaboration “shocking” and noted the case was “very challenging” because of the deliberate concealment of actions.
Key Individuals
- David Austin – Resident of Cherry Gardens, Ballymoney; identified by the judge as the instigator, planner and leader of the attack.
- Brian McCook – Brother of Stephen, from Urbal Road, Dervock; convicted of assisting an offender.
- Stephen McCook – Brother of Brian, also from Urbal Road, Dervock; convicted of assisting an offender.
- Easther McCook – Mother of the McCook brothers; convicted of perverting the course of justice.
- Steven Peck – Adopted son of Rosemary Peck, lived with his parents and sister in Ballymoney; described by police as “loving, caring and gentle.”
- Catherine Kierans – Assistant Director, PPS, responsible for presenting the case.
- Det Ch Insp Hazel Miller – Detective Chief Inspector, Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), who addressed the court on the impact of the crime.
Sentencing Details (Data & Statistics)
Official Statements & Responses
The PPS highlighted the “extent of collaboration among the defendants” and expressed hope that the sentencing would bring some comfort to the Peck family. The PSNI characterised the attack as “totally brutal and senseless,” noting that the community was shocked by the severity of the assault and the callous manner in which the victim was left on the ground. The police also praised a member of the public who administered first aid until emergency services arrived.
Verbatim Quotes
- “extent of collaboration among the defendants was shocking” — Catherine Kierans, Assistant Director, PPS
- “Before and after the crime, they conspired to plan and conceal their actions,” — Catherine Kierans, PPS
- “I hope today's sentencing brings some comfort to Mr Peck's family and I thank them for engaging with us during the proceedings.” — Catherine Kierans, PPS
- “This was a totally brutal and senseless crime," she said.” — Det Ch Insp Hazel Miller, PSNI
- “The severity of the attack itself, and the callous way in which this victim was left lying on the ground, shocked an entire community, while leaving a loving family shattered.” — Det Ch Insp Hazel Miller, PSNI
Impact on the Community
The court heard a victim-impact statement from Rosemary Peck, who described her son as a “gentle giant” and expressed profound grief, compounded by her own battle with motor-neuron disease. The judge noted the emotional toll on the family and the broader community, describing the crime as a “violent and planned attack” that left Ballymoney “shattered.”
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*All information is drawn exclusively from the provided BBC news article.*
