Omagh man Deon Fullen jailed after machete attack on Owen Brown which contributed to death of his father, Paul Brown
An Omagh man has been jailed for two years for a “shocking and vicious” machete attack which caused life changing injuries and contributed to the death of the victim’s father.
Twenty-three year old Deon Fullen had been charged with the attempted murder of Owen Brown in Omagh in October 2022 and with the manslaughter of his father Paul Brown, aged 53.
He later pleaded guilty to wounding Owen Brown with intent and fully accepted that his actions contributed to the death of Owen’s father, Paul.
Fullen appeared at Belfast Crown Court today, Friday 7 November where he was given four years - two years to be served in custody and two on licence.
Detective Chief Inspector Hazel Miller said: “Paul and Owen Brown – father and son – were celebrating Paul’s birthday in a bar in Omagh on the evening of 16 October in 2022.
“While in the bar, there was an altercation between Owen and the defendant, Deon Fullen.
“Later, both father and son went to Fullen’s family home and it’s here that the tragic events took place. It was during a conversation with a family member that Deon Fullen appeared and a confrontation, outside the property, took place. Fullen is reported to have attacked Owen with a machete-type weapon, resulting in severe injuries to both of his hands. The attack was so severe that Owen required extensive surgery and has been left with life changing injuries.
“Owen managed to flee the area, but was later observed bleeding heavily. Meanwhile Paul himself, who had followed on and attempted to help his son, was described as becoming unresponsive.
“Police and colleagues from the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service both attended and offered assistance. Sadly, however, Paul, who was 53 years old, passed away in hospital a short time later. While Paul died from a heart attack, it is accepted by Deon Fullen, that his attack on Owen contributed to Paul’s tragic death.
DCI Miller added: “The Brown family are today left trying to come to terms with the loss of their loved one, which followed on from a shocking and vicious attack on a family member. My thoughts are with them today.
“While, unfortunately, there is nothing that can undo the tragic events of that night, I can only hope that others will take heed of the devastating impact of such totally senseless acts of violence.”
Paul's grieving partner Michele McCauley said his death had been devastating.
"Losing Paul has destroyed my life, we had so many plans and we were so happy," she said.
" Nothing will bring Paul back, but as far as I’m concerned, actions of what happened the night Paul lost his life were the cause of Paul’s death.
“I know after the post-mortem it was discovered that Paul had heart failure, but watching his son get attacked that night meant his emotions and stress levels were so heightened, resulting in Paul having a heart attack and losing his life. Nothing will change my mind on that; I continue to have to live my life broken-hearted and I will miss and love Paul forever.”