Man Sentenced to 14 Years for Pushing Ex-Partner Over Banister, Causing Paralysis

A man has been sentenced to 14 years in prison after pushing his ex-girlfriend over a banister, leaving her paralyzed. Barry Shankly, 45, was found guilty of engaging in a course of conduct that was abusive to his partner or ex-partner. The incident occurred on New Year's Eve 2020 at his home in Glasgow, Scotland.

Janine Kazmi, 38, recounted the event in a BBC documentary, "Fallen Women," where she explained that she had gone to Shankly's home after he claimed he wanted to commit suicide. When she refused his advance for a New Year's kiss and stated their relationship was not in that place anymore, Shankly pushed her forcefully. Kazmi fell over the banister, breaking her spine and fracturing vertebrae between the 23rd and 25th. She was subsequently left paraplegic.

Shankly initially attempted to conceal his actions by telling Kazmi she had fallen accidentally. She experienced temporary memory loss after the fall and only regained her memory of the incident later. She then reported Shankly to the police. Kazmi underwent surgery on her spine on January 6, 2021, and later transferred to The London Spinal Cord Injury Centre for rehabilitation.

Kazmi stated that the injury has left her unable to walk and unable to have children. She described the months leading up to the incident as involving controlling and violent behavior from Shankly. She met Shankly in October 2016 and moved to Glasgow to live with him in September 2019. According to Kazmi, Shankly would check her phone, lock her in the flat, and restrict her contact with friends. During a holiday in Lisbon in January 2020, Shankly reportedly stamped on her mobile phone and pushed her, causing her to fall and hit her head.

Shankly was arrested and pleaded not guilty to the charges. The trial took place at the High Court in Glasgow in July 2024, where Kazmi provided evidence via video link. He was sentenced to 14 years, with 13 years to be served in prison. Kazmi hopes her story will encourage other survivors of domestic abuse to speak out.