David Austin Jailed 16 Years for Ballymoney Murder of Steven Peck

David Austin, 59, will serve a minimum of 16-and-a-half years in prison after admitting the murder of 33-year-old Steven Peck in Ballymoney, County Antrim. Austin, from Cherry Gardens, orchestrated an attack on Mr Peck, who was lured to a laneway in January 2021.

Austin, along with Brian McCook, 30, and Stephen McCook, 34, from Urbal Road in Dervock, subjected Mr Peck to a severe beating, including kicks and two blows with an iron bar delivered by Austin. Mr Peck died six days later from his injuries.

The McCook brothers received four-year sentences for assisting an offender, with two years to be served in custody and the remainder on licence. Their mother, Easther McCook, 51, was given a two-year suspended sentence for three years for perverting the course of justice by providing false alibis for her sons.

The presiding judge noted that Austin had "instigated, planned and led the attack." Detective Chief Inspector Hazel Miller described the crime as "brutal and senseless," highlighting the impact on Mr Peck's family. Mr Peck, who lived with his adoptive parents and sister, was remembered by his mother, Rosemary Peck, in a victim impact statement detailing her profound grief.