A man sustained fractured vertebrae after his ex-girlfriend attacked him with household items, including a saucepan and a knife, and strangled him before he escaped by jumping from a ground-floor window. The incident occurred at the woman's home in Norwich, England, shortly before Christmas 2024.
Shannon Galligan, 28, pleaded guilty to unlawful wounding, intentional strangulation, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and criminal damage. She was given a suspended two-year prison sentence and ordered to complete 180 hours of unpaid work and up to 20 days of rehabilitation activity. Additionally, a four-year restraining order was put in place, prohibiting her from contacting the victim directly or indirectly.
During the assault, Galligan reportedly struck her ex-partner, Ashley Compton, on the back of the head with a saucepan. When he attempted to flee, she grabbed him by the throat and stabbed him in the arm, though he did not realize he had been wounded until later. He also reported being hit with a pole as he tried to escape down the stairs, leading him to jump from the living room window. The injuries sustained upon landing included broken vertebrae and multiple bruises.
At Norwich Crown Court, prosecutor Marc Brown described the events as serious domestic violence. Galligan's defense counsel stated that she was ashamed of her behavior and cited struggles with ADHD. Judge Bate acknowledged Galligan's neurodivergence, her guilty pleas, and expressed confidence in her rehabilitation prospects when handing down the sentence, which was suspended for 18 months.
The Crime Survey for England and Wales indicated that for the year ending March 2025, approximately 9.1% of females and 6.5% of males aged 16 and over had experienced domestic abuse in the preceding 12 months. The survey also noted a higher incidence of domestic abuse among younger age groups, specifically those aged 16 to 19 and 20 to 24, compared to older individuals. The report also mentioned that over 9,000 individuals convicted of domestic abuse offenses were expected to be released early from prison under a scheme implemented by the Labour party.