Whitehead, Northern Ireland – Alyson Nelson, a 64-year-old woman, was brutally murdered by her ex-partner in Whitehead, where she was stabbed seven times within a minute. The gruesome details of Nelson’s murder emerged for the first time at Belfast Crown Court, shedding light on the tragic events that occurred in April 2022.
William Finlay, 68, from Olde Forde Gardens in Whitehead, is facing charges of murder aggravated by domestic abuse. Previously denying the murder, Finlay changed his plea to guilty in November 2023 and is awaiting sentencing next week.
The court revealed that the attack on Nelson was fueled by jealousy and was described as a “wicked act” by Finlay’s barrister. The relationship between Finlay, a former Royal Navy member, and Nelson began after they met online in December 2018. However, their relationship ended less than a year later, 18 months before Nelson’s tragic death.
Evidence presented in court included the knife used in the attack, as well as CCTV footage showing both the victim and Finlay in a nearby pub on the day of the murder. In addition, footage from a doorbell camera captured Finlay arriving at Nelson’s home with his hood up, wearing latex gloves, and holding something. A minute later, he was seen leaving the property with his hood down, brandishing a knife and wiping it with a cloth as he walked away.
The disturbing details of the case shed light on the devastating impact of domestic abuse and serve as a reminder of the importance of recognizing the signs and seeking support. As the community mourns the loss of Alyson Nelson, the court’s upcoming sentencing of William Finlay will bring closure to a tragedy that has deeply affected the town of Whitehead.