Steven Peck murder case closes as four sentenced over brutal Ballymoney killing

Murdered: Ballymoney man Steven Peck, described by loved ones as a “gentle giant”.

The final chapter in the murder case of Ballymoney man Steven Peck was played out in court on Friday as three men and a woman were sentenced over offences connected to the brutal attack that claimed the 33-year-old’s life.

More than five years after Mr Peck suffered catastrophic head injuries in Ballymoney, Coleraine Crown Court heard the final sentences handed down to those involved in the case — bringing the judicial process to a close for a family left devastated by what they described as a “cruel and mindless” killing.

David Austin, 59, from Ballymoney, had already pleaded guilty to murder and received a life sentence in February 2023. On Friday, he was told he must serve a minimum of 16-and-a-half years in prison before being considered for release.

Brian McCook, 30, and Stephen McCook, 34, both from Ballymoney, were each sentenced to four years for assisting an offender. Half of each sentence will be served in custody, with the remainder on licence.

Easther McCook, 51, also from Ballymoney, received a two-year sentence suspended for three years after being convicted of perverting the course of justice.

Attack shocked Ballymoney community

Sentenced for the murder or Steven Peck: David Austin, Brian McCook, and Stephen McCook

Detective Chief Inspector Hazel Miller from the PSNI’s Major Investigation Team said Steven Peck was found seriously injured on the evening of Sunday 3 January 2021.

Police received a report of a man lying injured on grass beside a pathway in the Garryduff Road area of Ballymoney.

Mr Peck was taken by ambulance to Causeway Hospital before later being transferred to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast because of the severity of his injuries.

He died in intensive care on 9 January 2021.

Detective Chief Inspector Miller described the killing as a “totally brutal and senseless crime” which had left a community shocked and a family shattered.

“The severity of the attack itself, and the callous way in which this victim was left lying on the ground, shocked an entire community, while leaving a loving family shattered,” she said.

She also paid tribute to a member of the public who stopped to help Mr Peck after the assault.

“Amidst the sorrow, we’re keen to acknowledge the efforts of a member of the public who not only called for help, but also administered first aid until the emergency services arrived,” she added.

Family speak of lifelong devastation

In an emotional statement released following Friday’s sentencing, the Peck family spoke of the permanent trauma left by Steven’s murder.

“Our family has been completely devastated by the murder of Steven,” the statement read.

“Words cannot even begin to describe the anguish that we endure every single day, knowing that he will never walk through the door of our family home again as well as knowing the cruel and mindless way in which he was taken from us.”

The family described Steven as their “gentle giant” and “big lad”, saying he was deeply loved by relatives, friends and all who knew him.

“He was incredibly caring and kind and was deeply loved, not only by his immediate family but by all those who knew him and were close to him,” they said.

The statement also reflected on the life-changing moment police arrived at the family home in January 2021.

“Our lives have never been the same since police called with us at our home in January 2021, and never will be the same again.”

While acknowledging that those responsible had now been held accountable through the courts, the family said the pain of losing Steven remains constant.

“We will remember Steven as he lived, our joy and our gentle giant.”

Judicial process now complete

Detective Chief Inspector Miller said Friday’s sentencings marked the end of the legal proceedings but stressed that the impact on Steven Peck’s loved ones would continue long after the court case had concluded.

“While today’s sentencings signify the end of the judicial process, I am mindful that the Peck family live on with the pain and anguish of what happened to Steven, every single day,” she said.

She added:

“Steven Peck was loving, caring and gentle. He was a much-loved son and brother, and my thoughts today are with his heartbroken family and friends.”

The case has remained one of the most disturbing killings in the Ballymoney area in recent years, with Friday’s court hearing finally bringing the long-running prosecution process to an end more than five years after Steven Peck’s death.