A woman has been left permanently paralysed after a violent attack by her ex-partner on New Year's Eve, which began when she refused to kiss him.
A Night of Celebration Turns to Tragedy
Janine Kazmi, 38, had expected to see in the New Year with her former partner, Barry Shankly, at his home in Dalmarnock, Scotland. The pair had remained friends after their relationship ended. However, as they were leaving, Shankly, 45, leaned in for a kiss. When Janine refused, telling him their relationship was no longer like that, he became enraged.
Shankly shoved Janine over the bannister of his hallway balcony, causing her to fall and suffer a catastrophic spinal injury. She was admitted to Glasgow Royal Infirmary, where she underwent 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.
A Pattern of Abuse and a Fight for Justice
Initially, Janine had no memory of the fall. Shankly visited her in hospital and claimed she had fallen accidentally while sitting on the bannister. However, as her memories returned, she knew his story did not add up. She reported him to the police, detailing not only the attack but also months of controlling and violent behaviour during their relationship.
This included incidents where Shankly checked her phone, locked her in his flat, and isolated her from friends. During a trip to Lisbon in January 2020, he had stamped on her mobile phone and pushed her over.
The case went to trial at the High Court in Glasgow in July 2024. Janine gave evidence via video link from Southend Court in Basildon. Barry Shankly was found guilty of engaging in a course of conduct which was abusive of his partner or ex-partner and was sentenced to 14 years in prison, with 13 years to be served behind bars.
Life-Altering Consequences and a New Mission
The physical and emotional impact on Janine's life is permanent. She is now a full-time wheelchair user and has been told she will never walk again. The injury also means she is unable to have children.
Following the attack, she faced significant challenges with housing. She spent two years in inaccessible temporary accommodation between 2021 and 2023 before moving into a council property in Southend-on-Sea, Essex. She then had to wait a further two years for essential adaptations to be made to her home.
Now working as a peer support worker, Janine is channelling her experience into advocacy. She is campaigning for better disability rights and encouraging other survivors of domestic abuse to speak out. "I'm not ashamed - it's important to spread awareness," she says, highlighting the high suicide rates among people with spinal injuries.
A spokesperson for the local council's housing department stated they are committed to supporting disabled residents but could not comment on individual cases.
