Bangor: Man sentenced for 2021 stabbing murder

Nigel Orr-McAuley died at a property on Beatrice Road in Bangor in July 2021

A 38-year-old man has been jailed for a minimum of 11 and a half years for stabbing a man to death at a house in Bangor in July 2021.

Nigel Orr-McAuley, who was 53, was found dead at a house on Beatrice Road.

Daniel Szcezyelak, of Beatrice Road, pleaded guilty last month to the murder at Downpatrick Crown Court.

Speaking after sentencing on Friday, PSNI Det Insp Michelle Griffin said the "unprovoked attack" had left an innocent man's family bereft.

"Today, Szcezyelak has been held accountable for his violent actions, which sadly can never be undone," she said.

"My thoughts, and that of the team, remain firmly with Nigel's family and friends, whose worlds have been torn apart."

The officer outlined: "Nigel Orr-McAuley was found inside the locked bedroom of his Bangor home in the early hours of Wednesday 14 July 2021. Sadly, he was pronounced dead at the scene.

"He had sustained multiple stab wounds to his head, arms and body."

Det Insp Griffin said it was believed Szcezyelak had demanded money from Mr Orr-McAuley and when this demand was not met immediately he stabbed the victim multiple times.

"I'm keen to thank Nigel's neighbours and companions who, having witnessed some of the disturbing ordeal, were quick to assist the investigation," she said.

"Thanks to such support, and with the backing of strong forensic evidence, Szcezyelak entered a guilty plea before evidence was opened to the court.

"Importantly, the family and witnesses did not have to re-experience the fine detail of this cruel attack."