A woman from Belfast has been ordered to serve at least 12 years behind bars after she was convicted of murdering her partner as he slept, despite their turbulent and abusive relationship.
Julianne McIlwaine, 34, of Hazel Close, stood before Belfast Crown Court, where she learned she must serve a minimum term of 12 years following the murder of James Joseph Crossley in March 2022.
Mr Crossley, 38, was stabbed while asleep in McIlwaine’s west Belfast home during the early hours of 1 March. He later succumbed to his injuries in the hospital. A post-mortem confirmed multiple stab wounds to his chest and abdomen as the cause of death.
In October last year, McIlwaine was handed a life sentence after a jury found her guilty of murder. The recent hearing established the minimum period she will serve.
The court was told the pair had been locked in a “mutually abusive relationship.” At the time of the killing, a restraining order was active, forbidding Mr Crossley from contacting McIlwaine.
However, despite the legal restriction and having spent time in a women’s refuge, McIlwaine reached out to Crossley, rekindling their relationship. He responded and agreed to reunite.
Her legal team argued that she had experienced a “temporary loss of control” triggered by years of domestic abuse. But the jury rejected the defence, convicting her of murder instead of manslaughter.
“This has been an extremely difficult case,” said Detective Inspector Michelle Griffin of the PSNI following the sentencing.
“The two had been in a mutually abusive relationship. At the time of Mr Crossley’s death, a restraining order was in place that prohibited him from being in contact with Ms McIlwaine.
“Despite this safeguard, and a period of separation during which the defendant resided in a woman’s refuge, Julianne contacted Jim to re-establish their relationship, which he agreed to.
“Ms McIlwaine’s defence was that she had caused the death of Jim Crossley by manslaughter based on a temporary loss of control as a victim of domestic abuse.
“The Jury, however, didn’t accept that she had experienced a loss of control and convicted her of murder.”
Det Insp Griffin acknowledged the emotional toll of the case on all involved: “Working in partnership with the Public Prosecution Service, the defendant has today been held accountable.
It remains, however, a tragic case which leaves so many family members, including children, totally heartbroken. There are no winners here. Only sorrow prevails.”
She concluded with a plea to those facing domestic abuse: “This case is a sad reminder that no one should ever take the law into their own hands. I want to appeal to anyone, irrespective of gender or background, who is experiencing, or has experienced, domestic abuse to please speak to us.
We know that domestic abuse can take many forms, from coercive control to physical abuse. Whatever your circumstances, I promise that we will listen to you, and we will support you. Please contact us on 101.”
If you or someone you know is affected by domestic abuse, help is available. Contact the PSNI on 101, or in an emergency, always dial 999. Services are also accessible through local women’s refuges and support organisations.
