Asylum Seeker Imprisoned for Knife Attack in Holyland, Belfast

An asylum seeker was jailed for 13 months today (Friday) for stabbing a male in the face with a knife.

Details of the Incident
Omar Arar, 20, of Graymount Crescent in Newtownabbey, Co Antrim, had previously pleaded guilty to a single charge of wounding. The incident took place on April 4, 2023, in Belfast's Holyland area. Arar and the victim knew each other at the time of the stabbing. The victim suffered a significant wound on his face, leading to a series of medical treatments.

Court Proceedings and Sentencing
During police interviews, Arar denied the altercation with the victim. Judge Sandra Crawford emphasized the high level of harm caused due to the permanent facial scarring. Arar was sentenced to 26 months in prison, with a supervised licence for 13 months upon release. The court granted a prosecution request for the destruction of the knife used in the attack.