A young woman who launched a spontaneous and violent attack by glassing a complete stranger in the head as he celebrated his engagement at a city centre bar has walked free from court without serving immediate prison time. Maddie Kirby, aged 20, lashed out at the man while they were both at The Mushroom Bar in Newcastle city centre on July 28, 2024, in an incident described as instinctive and unprovoked.
Details of the Violent Assault
The court heard that Kirby struck the victim, who had almost his entire back turned to her, with a glass, causing a deep laceration to his forehead. The injury required stitches under local anaesthetic and has left a permanent scar. Prosecutors noted that the attack was captured on CCTV, showing the sudden nature of the assault. In a police interview, Kirby offered no comment except to state she did not know the man, providing no explanation or mitigation for her actions at the time.
Impact on the Victim
In a victim impact statement, the man detailed the profound trauma he has endured since the attack. He revealed that he has stopped going out with friends as frequently, lost friendships, and avoids drinking in town altogether. He also shared that he is constantly looking over his shoulder, feeling stressed when outside, and that the assault has exacerbated symptoms related to his autism and ADHD. Additionally, the victim disclosed that the attack occurred during his engagement party and contributed to the breakdown of his personal relationship, which has since ended.
Court Proceedings and Sentencing
Kirby, who was 18 at the time of the incident and now 20, resides on Morgans Way in Blaydon, Gateshead. She pleaded guilty to wounding and has no previous convictions. During sentencing, Mr Recorder Rippon highlighted the seriousness of the offence, noting that Kirby was intoxicated at the time, which aggravated the situation. However, he acknowledged her remorse, her decision to remain at the scene, and the fact that she never denied responsibility.
The judge described the act as a spontaneous and uncharacteristic episode, leading to a sentence of 10 months imprisonment, suspended for 18 months. Kirby was also ordered to complete 150 hours of unpaid work and pay £360 in costs. This outcome means she will avoid jail unless she breaches the terms of her suspended sentence.
Defence and Personal Circumstances
Brian Hegarty, defending Kirby, argued that the attack was an instinctive act involving a single blow before she desisted. He emphasised that Kirby was candid with the police, accepting her actions and outlining the circumstances. He also pointed out that she has no prior criminal record and that this incident represents a brief, isolated episode in her life. At the time of the offence, Kirby was employed in a job she cherished, but she lost that position following her arrest. She has since found alternative employment, which the court considered in its sentencing decision.
The case underscores the lasting physical and emotional scars left by such violent assaults, even when perpetrators receive lenient sentences due to mitigating factors like remorse and a clean record. The victim's ongoing struggles highlight the broader impact of random acts of violence in social settings.
