A devastated mother has launched a scathing attack on Britain's justice system after the teenager who left her son with life-altering injuries received what she describes as a "pathetic" prison sentence.
Violent Assault Leaves Teenager Permanently Scarred
The horrific incident occurred when 18-year-old Kacey Owen launched an unprovoked attack on another teenager outside a McDonald's in Manchester city centre. The victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was punched repeatedly in the head and knocked unconscious during the brutal assault.
"He was stamped on and kicked while lying defenceless on the ground," the victim's mother revealed. "The level of violence was absolutely sickening."
Life-Changing Consequences
The attack has left the young victim with permanent physical and psychological scars. He continues to suffer from debilitating symptoms including severe anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
"My son is a shadow of his former self," his mother explained. "He's too terrified to leave the house alone and has nightmares about the attack. This wasn't just a momentary assault – it has destroyed his life."
Justice System 'Failing Victims'
Despite the severity of the attack and its lasting impact, attacker Kacey Owen received a sentence of just three years and four months in a young offenders' institution. With standard early release provisions, he could be free within 14 months.
"What message does this send to violent offenders?" the victim's mother questioned. "That you can nearly kill someone and be back on the streets in little over a year? The system is completely failing victims."
The court heard how Owen had previous convictions, including another assault committed while on bail for this attack. Yet the sentence has left the victim's family feeling utterly betrayed by the justice system they trusted to deliver appropriate punishment.
Call for Sentencing Reform
The case has sparked fresh debate about whether sentencing guidelines for violent crimes are fit for purpose. Many are asking whether the punishment truly reflects the severity of the crime and its lifelong impact on victims.
"We need to see real change in how the courts deal with these violent offences," the mother stated. "No other family should have to go through this heartbreak and then feel completely let down by the system that's supposed to protect us."
