Man jailed after injuring off-duty police officer during gun brawl

A man has been given a three-and-a-half year sentence for injuring an off-duty policeman with a gun during an episode of cocaine-induced psychosis.

30-year-old Kyle Knell, of Tynan Drive in Newtownabbey, was sentenced on Friday at Belfast Crown Court.

He had pleaded guilty to a total of six charges including two counts of inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent, possessing a firearm in suspicious circumstances and false imprisonment.

Knell was told his actions caused "significant harm to others".

Judge Philip Gilpin divided the term equally between prison and licence.

On 6 January 2025 Knell had visited a hotel with his friends where he consumed a large amount of alcohol and cocaine.

After leaving the hotel he flagged down a motorist and was dropped off in a residential street in County Antrim.

A woman who recognised Knell was sitting in a parked car outside her parents' house talking to her police officer partner.

Knell approached the vehicle and banged on her car door, shouting "they're trying to kill me ... help me".

Knell then pushed his way into the home belonging to the woman's parents and started vomiting blood.

An ambulance was called and a short time later the woman's partner arrived at the scene.

Knell shouted "he's here to shoot me" then lunged at the off-duty officer and put his hands around his waist, managing to obtain his gun during the struggle.

The officer attempted to force the gun to the floor as Knell was pointing it at his stomach.

The weapon was then discharged, causing a bullet to ricochet off the floor, with fragments subsequently striking the officer in his thigh and his partner in her ankle.

After the officer wrestled back control of the weapon, Knell fled to a nearby house.

Police arrived promptly and arrested Knell, before taking him to Antrim Area Hospital.

When asked what happened concerning the gun, Knell claimed he struggled with the off-duty officer as he believed his life was in danger.

Following his pleas, Knell told a probation officer he knew his actions would have frightened those involved and that he wished to apologise.

Knell's defence team highlighted his diagnosis of PTSD, his addiction to cocaine and a conclusion that on the night in question Knell was experiencing an episode of drug-induced psychosis.

Also taken into consideration by the Judge was Knell's troubled childhood, his previously clear criminal record and two character references.

Judge Gilpin said "the custody threshold has quite clearly been passed in this case".

Gilpin imposed the 42-month sentence and Knell was led from the dock in handcuffs by prison staff.

In a statement, Det Ch Insp Michael O'Loan from the Police Service of Northern Ireland described it as a "terrifying ordeal" which has left a "lasting impact" on the officer.

"Our officer was hospitalised and continues to bear the physical scars of that night.

"We are very thankful that he has been able to return to work and his recovery has progressed well," he added.

O'Loan said he hopes the sentencing will give "some degree of comfort to our colleague and the other victims".