Murderer Escapes from Belfast Prison

Authorities are actively searching for David McCord, a convicted murderer who escaped from a North Belfast prison. The 54-year-old, serving a life sentence for the brutal murder of Nichola Dickson in January 2003, is currently unlawfully at large. McCord was convicted after he fatally stabbed Dickson, 26, in a fit of "extreme and wholly unjustified jealousy," as described by Mr. Justice Coghlin during the sentencing at Ballymena Crown Court. Nichola Dickson's tragic death left her family devastated. Her mother discovered her body in a bedroom at their home in Ballycarry, where she had been both strangled and stabbed with a kitchen knife. Philip Smyth, Dickson's father, expressed his frustration with the legal system, stating that McCord's minimum sentence of 11 years was insufficient for the crime that robbed them of their beloved daughter and sister. He emphasized the profound impact of the loss on their family and community. McCord escaped custody on August 16 while at a property in the Crumlin Road area. He was last seen around 4:30 PM on Castlereagh Road, wearing a green jacket and black tracksuit bottoms, and carrying a red carrier bag. The police have urged McCord to surrender voluntarily and are appealing to the public for any information regarding his whereabouts. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the independent charity Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111, where anonymity is guaranteed.