A woman fractured both legs after jumping from a first-floor window to escape a violent attacker in Warrington. The victim was later spotted by an off-duty police officer as she tried to flag down traffic on Winwick Road.
Escape and arrest
The incident happened on March 8 this year. At around 4am, the off-duty Cheshire Police officer noticed the distressed and seriously injured woman at the side of the road. He pulled over, called for police back-up and ambulance services, and came to her assistance.
The woman told officers she had been beaten by 34-year-old Rory Gilchrist, of Padgate Lane, Warrington. She said he had threatened to kill her and refused to let her leave her own home. Fearing for her safety, she jumped from a first-floor window, sustaining two fractured legs. Despite her injuries, she managed to reach Winwick Road to flag down the passing officer.
Court and sentence
Gilchrist was arrested two hours later and taken into custody. When interviewed by detectives, he claimed he had been attacked first and was defending himself. He also said he was unsure why the woman had chosen to jump out of a window to escape him, as he had done nothing wrong.
He later pleaded guilty to one count of inflicting grievous bodily harm without intent. He appeared at Liverpool Crown Court on Friday, October 2, where he was sentenced to two years and 11 months imprisonment.
Police response
Detective Constable Stuart Leah said: “Gilchrist's behaviour created an atmosphere of terror, leaving the victim to feel that she had no choice but jump out of a first-storey window in order to escape his violence.
“Despite sustaining serious injuries at the hands of Gilchrist and during her escape, she was able to make it to a nearby main road and successfully flag down a passing off-duty police officer, who subsequently got her the support she needed.
“The bravery she showed during this ordeal, and the wider investigation and court process that has involved her having to relive traumatic events, is truly commendable and Gilchrist's' conviction could not have been obtained without her vital evidence.
“A key force priority for Cheshire Constabulary is protecting vulnerable people and tackling violence against women and girls. These commitments were clearly demonstrated by the off-duty officer who spotted a vulnerable woman in need and, acting on instinct, came to her aid - I would like to express my most sincerest thanks for him doing so.”
