A man who pushed his ex-girlfriend over a banister, leaving her paralysed for life after she refused a New Year's kiss, has been jailed for 14 years.
A Pattern of Control and Violence
Barry Shankly, 45, subjected Janine Kazmi, 38, to months of controlling and violent behaviour before the final, life-altering assault. The couple met online in October 2016 while Ms Kazmi was living in Thailand. She moved into his flat in Glasgow's Dalmarnock area in September 2019, after which his behaviour became increasingly domineering.
"He checked my phone and locked me in the flat. I wasn't allowed friends - he isolated me from everyone," Ms Kazmi recalled. The abuse escalated during a trip to Lisbon in January 2020, where Shankly stamped on her phone and pushed her over, causing her to hit her head.
The Fateful New Year's Eve Attack
After ending the relationship in October 2020, Ms Kazmi reluctantly agreed to remain friends. On New Year's Eve that year, Shankly invited her to his home. As she was leaving, he attempted to kiss her on the stairs. When she refused, he pushed her over the banister.
"On impact, apparently, I was coherent - it must have been the shock and adrenaline," she said. "But I lost consciousness and woke up in hospital with no memory of the fall." Shankly immediately began weaving a web of lies, telling her she had fallen accidentally while sitting on the banister on a phone call.
Life-Altering Injuries and a Fight for Justice
Ms Kazmi was admitted to Glasgow Royal Infirmary and underwent spinal surgery on 6 January 2021. Doctors delivered the devastating news that she had fractured her spine between the 23rd and 25th vertebrae and would be left paraplegic. "I was on my own when I got the news. I was devastated. My life changed in an instant," she said.
As her memory gradually returned, she realised Shankly's account was false. "My memory started coming back and I knew there was no phone call," she stated. She reported the crime to the police, leading to Shankly's arrest.
Court Case and Lasting Impact
At the High Court in Glasgow in July 2024, Shankly was found guilty of engaging in a course of conduct which was abusive of his partner. He was sentenced to a 14-year extended sentence, with 13 years to be served in custody.
Ms Kazmi, a former peer support worker, described the profound personal cost: "I'll never walk again and I'm not able to have kids due to my injury. Not only did he take away my life, but he stopped another one happening."
Her challenges continued after the attack, spending two years in inaccessible temporary housing between 2021 and 2023 while waiting for a suitable permanent council property in Southend-on-Sea, Essex. "It was so degrading - he's in prison but at least he had access to a toilet," she remarked.
Advocacy and a Message to Others
Ms Kazmi has now become a strong advocate for disability rights and domestic abuse survivors. She speaks openly about her experience to raise awareness. "If anyone asks me about my disability, I tell them what happened. I'm not ashamed - it's important to spread awareness," she said.
She also highlighted the mental health struggles facing those with spinal injuries, noting high suicide rates. "It's bloody hard, but there is life after a spinal injury," she urged, encouraging other survivors to speak out.
In response to housing concerns raised by cases like Ms Kazmi's, Cllr Anne Jones, cabinet member for Housing and Communities, said: "We are committed to supporting residents with disabilities and ensuring they have access to housing that meets their needs."
