Mum Requests Prison Term to Confront Addiction Following Public Assaults
A mother has been granted her unusual plea to be sent to prison after carrying out a series of random attacks against members of the public. Denice Finnigan specifically asked for a custodial sentence in a determined bid to fight her severe addiction to crack cocaine and chronic alcohol misuse.
Violent Taxi Rank Assault Leaves Victim in Fear
On April 18 last year, Finnigan launched a brutal attack on Rachel Rose at a taxi rank in Southport following a night out. The court heard how Finnigan ran down the road, grabbed Ms Rose by her hair, and dragged her to the floor. The victim reported feeling "helpless and terrified" during the assault.
The incident began when Finnigan's boyfriend began whistling at Ms Rose and her partner. He told the man to "go back to where you've come from" before threatening Ms Rose directly, saying Finnigan was "going to kill her and do her in." The boyfriend then began "getting in her face, goading her" before Finnigan launched her physical attack.
Although the couple managed to escape into a taxi, both Finnigan and her partner began kicking the vehicle, causing a dent to a rear door. Shockingly, Ms Rose was then dragged from the car and kicked to the back of her head, resulting in a painful lump.
Victim's Trauma Detailed in Court Statement
In a statement read to Liverpool Crown Court on her behalf, Ms Rose described this as "the most distressing experience I've ever been through." She explained: "After being discharged from hospital, the children witnessed my return home in an injured and distressed state. Seeing their reaction to my injuries was deeply upsetting."
The victim added that since the incident, she avoids going out and feels extremely anxious in public spaces. "Situations that once felt normal now cause me fear and pain," she told the court. "I want the court to understand that this was a serious and violent assault." During the attack, clumps of her hair were pulled out, adding to her physical and emotional trauma.
Additional Violent Incident Involving Brick Attacks
The court also heard how Finnigan was involved in another violent incident on August 5, 2024, when she stole a £6.99 bottle of pinot grigio from Coronation News in Southport. When shop owner Jamie Lodge retrieved the alcohol and poured it down the drain, Finnigan threatened to "smash his head in."
A group of up to seven people in her company then began threatening Mr Lodge and another man, Anthony Baird, with bricks. Mr Baird was pushed to the floor by several women and kicked by a man, leaving him "covered in blood" from injuries to his head and face.
Both men had bricks thrown toward them as they retreated to their van, but their assailants blocked them from leaving. The windscreen was smashed when another brick was hurled at the vehicle.
Defendant's Chaotic Lifestyle and Unusual Request
Finnigan has 19 previous convictions for 38 offences, including assaults on emergency services personnel and 21 theft-related matters. Defense lawyer Olivia Belle told the court: "Unusually, Ms Finnigan wants to remain in custody. This was a defendant living a very chaotic lifestyle, addicted to crack cocaine and heroin and heavily misusing alcohol."
She has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and anxiety, but has only received medication since being taken into custody. Finnigan believes custody is the best place for her to remain abstinent from drugs, stating that if released into the community, her "drug use is very extreme."
Progress in Custody and Future Hopes
During her five weeks on remand at HMP Styal, Finnigan has reportedly taken well to staff and other inmates. She is completing hairdressing and catering courses in custody and hopes to build a brighter future for herself and her 12-year-old daughter, with whom she currently only has phone contact due to her substance abuse issues.
Appearing via video link wearing a black and grey Under Armour tracksuit top, Finnigan admitted assault occasioning actual bodily harm, assault, criminal damage, theft, and failing to surrender to custody. She was jailed for 10 months.
Judge's Sentencing Remarks
Recorder Mark Ainsworth acknowledged the seriousness of the offences during sentencing, stating: "Plainly, these are serious matters. I am told something of your background in mitigation. It is said that you have a chaotic lifestyle, which I readily accept."
The judge noted Finnigan's progress while at Styal prison, calling it "a significant factor and something that is commendable." He observed: "It seems that you are free from drugs, you are receiving assistance for your mental health issues and you are undertaking courses in respect of hairdressing and catering."
Recorder Ainsworth concluded: "In the circumstances, given the progress that you are making at Styal, I am going to accede to that request. What I am hoping is, however we have got to this point, we have reached a point where you can draw a line and, on your release, make a fresh start, hopefully in a much better position and, hopefully, having gained the skills that you have identified."
