Student Avoids Jail after Manchester City Centre Attack

A student who stabbed a man in the eye with her stiletto heeled shoe has been handed a suspended sentence this week.

Incident

Justin Lloyd, 22, was attacked by Shadiya Omar, also 22, after he had a disagreement with her friend whilst waiting for a taxi after a night out in Manchester.

Manchester Crown Court was told that Mr Lloyd approached Miss Omar’s friend to offer her a crisp from the packet he was eating. The woman declined his offer, knocking the packet from Mr Lloyd’s hand. In response to her actions, Mr Lloyd attempted to empty the contents of the crisp packet over the woman’s head. It was at this point that Miss Omar ran to her friend’s ‘aid’ and she hit Mr Lloyd in the face with her high heeled shoe.

Jonathan Savage, prosecuting, said:

‘He was then struck a single blow to the left eye with an object.

‘His next reaction was feeling that he has been hit in the eye and feeling a long object in front of his left eye, he had to pull it out.’

The court heard how the two women then attempted to leave the scene in a taxi, leading to a dispute between the women and Mr Lloyd’s group of friends. Police were called to the scene and they proceeded to arrest Miss Omar.

Injuries

Mr Lloyd was taken to both Manchester Royal Infirmary and Manchester Eye Hospital, where he was treated for injuries to his left eye.

The court heard he suffered bleeding, bruising and abrasions to his lower eye lid, and further abrasions to his upper lid. Mr Lloyd also suffered a fracture to the eye orbit of his left eye. ‘Miraculously’ he did not lose his sight, however he has since suffered stabbing pains in his eye and has been affected psychologically since the incident.

Mr Lloyd’s victim impact statement was read out in court and described how he was forced to quit his job as a labourer and has become self-conscious, due to the scarring he now has on his left eye.

Mr Savage continued:

‘Looking in the mirror every day, he would be constantly having a reminder of the pain he has been suffering.’

Defence & Sentencing

David Morton, defence lawyer for Miss Omar, explained that she had removed her shoes as they had become painful. According to Mr Morton, she did not intend to use them as a weapon. He went on to say that Miss Omar had no motive to strike Mr Lloyd and was waving her shoe to try and attempt to stop him from ‘hassling’ her friend. He said:

‘She acted using excessive self-defence, describing the group as intimidating very tall young men who were clearly aware of their level of intoxication.’

Miss Omar was sentenced to 18 months in prison, suspended for 2 years.

Judge Lindsey Kushner QC also ordered Miss Omar to complete 6 months of supervised unpaid community work. Further to this, Miss Omar was told she must pay a £100 victim surcharge.

Criminal Injury – Expert Advice

We understand that if you have been subjected to an act of violence, your thoughts will turn to making a full recovery – compensation will likely be the last thing on your mind.

There is however a government scheme that provides compensation to victims or their families at this tragic time. The scheme is called CICA (The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority). Once your claim is accepted by Hampson Hughes Solicitors, we will liaise with CICA on your behalf.

If you would like expert advice on this type of case, contact Hampson Hughes Solicitors today on 0800 888 6888 or email

Source: Mail Online