A man has been sentenced for his involvement in the manslaughter case of Victor Hamilton, a 63-year-old man from County Antrim. Hamilton’s body was found in the driveway of his home in Orkney Drive in Ballykeel, Ballymena in July 2022. Mamadu Saido Djalo, a 32-year-old from Derryveen Crescent in Dungannon, County Tyrone, pleaded guilty to manslaughter and received a six-year sentence, which includes time in prison and on licence. Mario Menezes from Portmore Street in Portadown and Michael Hanrahan from Thomas Street in Craigavon, County Armagh, both admitted to withholding information and were sentenced to two years, also divided between prison and licence.
The court identified the suspected perpetrator of the fatal knife attack as Casemiro Sano Lopez Vaz, who fled to Portugal following Hamilton’s death. Due to Portuguese laws, Vaz has not been extradited to face murder charges. Addressing Hamilton’s sisters in the courtroom, Mr Justice O’Hara acknowledged the absence of Vaz and stated that the defendants present could not be punished more severely to compensate for his escape. O’Hara expressed hope for a potential change in legislation that could bring Vaz to face justice, but acknowledged that no legal action could bring back their brother.
Despite the uncertainties surrounding Vaz’s whereabouts, the judge assured Hamilton’s family that efforts would continue to ensure justice is served. He empathized with the sisters, recognizing the irreplaceable loss they have experienced. While the escape of the main suspect presents challenges, the court remains committed to seeking accountability in Hamilton’s tragic death
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