Attacker who left his ex scarred for life caged for 8 years
Aug 23 2008 by Emma Davison, Huddersfield Daily Examiner
Andrew Banks, attacked his ex fiancee (200)
Despite undergoing intensive physiotherapy, she has been unable to regain feeling in parts of her right hand.
She was left with 30 permanent scars to her body, which has left her self-conscious and unable to wear skirts.
She said she has lost her confidence and had to turn down the dream job she had been due to start around the time of the attack.
Miss Richards said that the attack had left her nervous and untrusting of other men and that she still has nightmares about her ex.
She added: “It’s turned my life upside down.”
Judge Wolstenholme said: “I’ve no doubt that she’s been left permanently damaged by this dreadful experience. She has permanent scarring and considerable emotional damage in the form of loss of confidence in relationships.”
The judge said that he had no doubt that Banks had acted out of character when he attacked his former love, adding that he believed it had been a “unique response” to the break-up.
He added: “You’ve said you’re sorry for what you’ve done, but what really came over was an overwhelming self-pity and anger and resentment that your victim has got you into this predicament.
“You blame her, you don’t blame yourself.”
Judge Wolstenholme sentenced Banks to eight years in prison, of which he will serve half. Banks, dressed completely in black, showed no emotion as he was sentenced, while Miss Richards shook and wept.
He was also ordered to pay his victim £5,000 as compensation for all the suffering he caused her.
