Autistic Man's Life 'Scarred' After Unprovoked Glass Attack at Engagement Party
A young woman from Gateshead has been sentenced for a violent glass attack on an autistic man during his own engagement celebration, an incident that has left the victim with permanent facial scarring and severe psychological trauma.
Violent Assault at City Centre Venue
Maddie Kirby, who was 18 years old at the time of the offense, attacked the victim at The Mushroom Bar in Newcastle city centre on July 28, 2024. The court heard how Kirby struck the man with a glass while his back was mostly turned toward her, causing a deep laceration to his forehead that required stitches under local anesthetic.
The attack occurred without warning or provocation, with Kirby later describing her actions as "instinctive" and "spontaneous." She revealed no explanation for the violence beyond these descriptors and told police she didn't know the victim personally.
Legal Consequences and Sentencing
Now aged 20 and based in Blaydon, Gateshead, Kirby pleaded guilty to wounding and received a 10-month suspended sentence that will remain in effect for 18 months. She must also complete 150 hours of unpaid work and pay £360 in costs.
Mr Recorder Rippon, presiding over the case, noted the seriousness of the offense, particularly because Kirby was intoxicated at the time. The judge acknowledged that CCTV footage clearly showed her striking the victim from behind in what appeared to be "a spontaneous uncharacteristic act."
"The CCTV shows you strike him while he had almost all of his back turned to you," Mr Recorder Rippon told Kirby during sentencing. "Your actions caused a deep forehead laceration, requiring stitches under local anesthetic. In interview you gave no comment, apart from saying you didn't know him. You offered no explanation or mitigation."
Devastating Impact on Victim's Life
In a powerful victim impact statement, the autistic man described how the assault has fundamentally altered his life. He revealed that his engagement ended following the attack, and he believes the incident contributed significantly to the relationship's breakdown.
The victim suffers from both autism and ADHD, conditions that have been severely exacerbated by the trauma. He explained that going outside now triggers his symptoms intensely, causing constant anxiety and hypervigilance.
"I've not been going out with friends like I used to and I've lost friendships," the victim stated. "I'm constantly looking over my shoulder and going outside feels so stressful. I'm autistic and have ADHD and going out sets off my symptoms really badly."
The physical scar on his forehead serves as a permanent reminder of the attack. "I'm left with a scar on my face and the surgeon said I was lucky it's where it was. I can see people looking at my scar and it puts me on edge," he added.
Defense Arguments and Mitigating Factors
Defense barrister Brian Hegarty argued that the attack represented a brief, uncharacteristic episode in Kirby's life. He emphasized that she had no previous convictions or cautions and described the incident as "an instinctive act" involving "one blow and one blow only."
Kirby showed remorse throughout the proceedings, never denying responsibility for her actions and remaining at the scene following the assault. The court heard that she lost her employment as a direct consequence of her arrest but has since found alternative work.
"She was candid with the police, accepting what she had done and set out the circumstances in which it happened," Mr Hegarty stated. "She has no previous convictions or cautions and this brief, uncharacteristic episode represents the extent of her criminality."
The judge acknowledged Kirby's remorse and the fact that she had faced significant personal consequences, including job loss, while noting the attack's profound impact on the vulnerable victim.
