Belfast Woman Sentenced 12 Years Murdering Abusive Partner Asleep

Julie Ann McIlwaine was sentenced to a minimum of 12 years in prison for the murder of her partner, James Joseph Crossley, whom she stabbed multiple times while he was sleeping in their home in Dunmurry in March 2022. The court heard that their relationship was toxic and marked by prolonged domestic abuse, with Crossley having a history of violence, including choking McIlwaine in Spain, ramming her car, and subjecting her and her children to verbal abuse and coercive control. At the time of the killing, Crossley was on bail for a domestic-related assault and subject to a restraining order. McIlwaine claimed she acted out of fear and an acute stress reaction, stating it was "either him or me" as she felt trapped and unable to escape the abuse. Despite acknowledging the abuse as a mitigating factor, the judge emphasized that it did not justify the murder and highlighted aggravating factors such as the use of a weapon on a sleeping victim and the severity of the attack. Parole commissioners will decide if and when McIlwaine can be released after serving the minimum term.