On Monday (January 27), Kevin Gallagher appeared in Preston Crown Court after attacking a woman with a metal bar earlier this year. The incident, which was completely unprovoked and left the victim with life-changing injuries, shocked the entire community in Blackburn.
According to reports, the incident occurred in Ravenglass Close in the early hours of May 12. The 44-year-old attacker, Kevin Gallagher, who was previously living in the same close, was charged with serious assault and subsequently pleaded guilty at Preston Crown Court last year.
Gallagher’s actions on that night will forever affect the life of the victim, who suffered life-changing facial injuries and lost some vision in one eye. Her ordeal was described as a nightmare that has left her struggling to cope with her new reality.
In an impact statement to the court, the victim described how her life has been forever changed by Gallagher’s actions. “What Kevin did to me that night nearly led to me not standing here now as a mother, a daughter, and a sister,” she said. “Before May 12, I would describe myself as being a happy and outgoing mother. I was in my first year of university studying health and social care, and I had a bright future ahead of me for me and my children. I enjoyed the community I lived in, I felt safe, and I was surrounded by my friends where I lived.”
However, everything changed that night when Gallagher, in a completely unprovoked attack, inflicted life-changing injuries on her. She went on to describe the impact it had on her life and how she has struggled to come to terms with her new reality. “Unfortunately, this has all changed, and I feel as if my life has been put on hold whilst I continue to recover from what happened,” she said. “The injury Kevin inflicted on me caused me to be in hospital for two weeks. For two weeks, I was unable to see my children, and I couldn’t even speak to them on the phone because Kevin left me unable to talk.”
She further expressed her feelings about how the attack made her feel about her appearance and the confidence she once had. “When I first saw my face and what Kevin had done to me, I was devastated. All I could think of was that my children were going to see me like this. I couldn’t even recognise myself, not only through the physical scars but through the mental torture that I continue to live with. I am not the same person I was before May 12, 2024.”
The victim also spoke about the struggles she has faced since the attack, including losing her home and being unable to face returning to the address where the attack took place. “It was no longer our safe place that we had built up together for the past two years that we lived there,” she added.
Gallagher’s actions were described as cowardly and unprovoked, with DC Lucy Bowers, of Blackburn CID, stating that he “presents a significant risk of harm to the public through his propensity for spontaneous violence.” The police officer further expressed her satisfaction with the significant sentence handed down to Gallagher, which will see him serve five-and-a-half years for the attack.
This incident has highlighted the devastating impact of violence on individuals and their families. It also serves as a stark reminder of the risks that people can pose to others when they engage in spontaneous and violent behavior. The court’s decision to sentence Gallagher to such a lengthy period reflects the severity of his actions and the long-lasting impact they have had on the victim.
In a statement after the court hearing, DC Lucy Bowers highlighted the victim’s harrowing impact statement and how it detailed the significant and long-lasting impact that Gallagher’s actions had on the victim and her family. “No sentence can make up for the physical, mental, and emotional harm caused to the victim, however, I am pleased the public now have some protection from Gallagher via this significant sentence,” she said.
The sentencing of Gallagher to five-and-a-half years is seen as a victory for the victim, who can now begin her road to recovery. However, the road to recovery will be long and arduous, and it is unlikely that she will ever be the same person again.
Gallagher’s actions have left a scar on the community in Blackburn, and it is a stark reminder of the importance of community cohesion and support for victims of crime. It serves as a reminder that there are people who care and are willing to help those who have been affected by crime.
The attack on the woman in Blackburn highlights the need for awareness about domestic violence and the impact it can have on individuals and families. It shows that domestic violence can affect anyone, regardless of their background, age, or social status.
The community in Blackburn has come together to support the victim, and the response to the attack has been one of shock and outrage. It is a testament to the strength and resilience of the community that they have come together to support a victim who has been left to deal with the devastating impact of Gallagher’s actions.
This incident has served as a reminder of the importance of supporting victims of crime and providing them with the help and resources they need to cope with the aftermath of the attack. The victim’s story highlights the need for greater awareness about the impact of domestic violence and the importance of support for victims.
In conclusion, Gallagher’s actions have left a devastating impact on the victim and her family. The court’s decision to sentence him to five-and-a-half years reflects the severity of his actions, and it is a testament to the strength and resilience of the community that they have come together to support the victim.