Man Avoids Jail After Possession of Drugs and Airgun

Local residents express disgust at lenient sentence for repeat offender

A 63-year-old man has received a two-year probation order after admitting to possessing illegal drugs and an unlicensed airgun. The court’s decision has drawn criticism from the local community, who feel justice has not been served.

History of Violence and Weapons

The individual, identified as **James Kenny**, has a concerning history, including being previously filmed brutally assaulting a former partner. The recent charges stem from an incident last October where a man was left with significant injuries following an alleged attack and threats by **Kenny**.

During a police raid on his residence, authorities discovered a substantial cache of weapons, including knives, swords, and multiple airguns. Initially, **Kenny** faced more serious charges such as non-fatal strangulation, causing actual bodily harm, false imprisonment, and possessing a firearm with intent to cause fear. However, these charges were later withdrawn.

Court Proceedings and Sentencing

Ultimately, **Kenny** pleaded guilty to simple possession of Class A and C drugs and possessing the air pistol without a certificate. Deputy District Judge **Peter Prenter** stated that **Kenny** would benefit from a program with probation, opting against imprisonment.

This leniency follows a pattern where **Kenny** previously escaped jail for a violent assault on his ex-partner. At that time, his defense argued he had found solace in religion and was contributing to a local church.

“He is no stranger to the court,” defence counsel **Neil Moore** stated, “but this is the first time that he has met with probation and said ‘you can help?’.”

Mr. Moore also mentioned that police found a “wealth of air pistols and weaponry” at **Kenny**’s home, which were seized. Only one airgun was found to be powerful enough to require a certificate.

Community Outrage

Residents living near **Kenny**’s address in Ballymena expressed their frustration, feeling the courts are “letting the people down.” One neighbour lamented:

“How can these judges keep letting this guy walk free? He seems to be able to do whatever he likes – assault people, carry weapons, have a stack of weapons in his house – and never get properly punished.”

Concerns were also raised about **Kenny**’s behaviour while awaiting trial, with reports of him and associates disturbing the peace and making threats to a neighbour who asked them to be quiet.

The recent ruling comes amid a backdrop of increasing public concern over sentences for violent offenders. In the UK, statistics show a worrying trend in domestic abuse cases. For instance, in the year ending March 2023, there were an estimated 874,000 victims of domestic abuse in England and Wales, an increase from the previous year (ONS, 2025).

The distressing video of the earlier assault shows **Kenny** repeatedly striking a woman, knocking her to the ground and continuing the attack. Last July, **Kenny** received a suspended sentence for this incident, which also sparked public outcry and criticism from politicians and women’s groups.