Brian Coulter Magherafelt: Sebastian Adrian Nowak given four-and-a-half years for killing former police officer in his own home

Former police officer Brian Coulter was found dead in his Magherafelt home in 2021, aged 62.

Sebastian Adrian Nowak, aged 29, was sentenced to nine years for manslaughter at Belfast Crown Court on Friday. He will serve 4½ years in prison, and the remainder on licence.

He was also given six-months each for three further offences – common assault on the deceased’s sister, assault on police and obstructing police, which will be served concurrently.

Detective Inspector Jennifer Rea said: “Brian’s sister called at the Sandy Braes address to visit her brother on 18 October 2021 but made a shocking discovery. It was a sight no family member should ever have to see. She found the body of her brother lying in his bedroom. It is believed that, as a result of Nowak’s action, Brian may have been dead in the property for up to five days.

“While she was in Brian’s home, his sister located a man in another room who was shouting so she fled the property and called police.”

He had been staying there from 13 October 2021. Police found him soon after but he was uncooperative, lashing out, resisting arrest, and providing a false name.

“What exactly happened that resulted in Brian’s death is known only to Nowak,” DI Rea added.

Death was due to blunt force injuries to Mr Coulter’s head, neck and chest. He suffered a bleed to the brain, bruises on his chest and back and bruising to his wrists consistent with defensive injuries.

A defence barrister said Novak was an alcoholic and claimed self defence.

“Brian was a much loved brother and father," Mr Coulter’s family said in a statement. "We treasure our memories of him and miss him every day.

“Today’s sentencing brings us to the end of a long road. We wanted justice for Brian and this has been a very painful time for us.

“He died tragically and the lack of remorse shown by his attacker at every stage is disgraceful. No sentence would ever be long enough for taking another person’s life.

"We will remember all the good times with Brian, he will never be forgotten by us.”