On the 8th of December last year, a car belonging to Michael McDonagh’s victim’s partner was stolen while parked in Hugglescote’s Central Road. Duke, their black and ginger lurcher, was inside.
Following their own social media appeal, the victim and her partner were given information indicating that the car – a purple Nissan X-Trail – may be in the Copt Oak Road, Copt Oak area.
They went to the area and saw the vehicle, but when they spoke to the people there, they were attacked. As a result, the victim, who is in her 30s, sustained serious head and arm injuries.
They both fled the scene before seeking assistance at a service station on Little Shaw Lane in Markfield.
Three days later, Duke was discovered safe and well in the Loughborough area.
Following further investigation, McDonagh, 18, was identified as the person who assaulted the woman, and he was arrested by police in Merseyside on Thursday, December 9th.
He pleaded guilty to one count of causing grievous bodily harm with intent at Leicester Crown Court today (Tuesday, June 7).
McDonagh, of Copt Oak Road, Copt Oak, was sentenced to eight years and three months in prison and is prohibited from contacting the victim or her family.
McDonagh, Michael.webp
The officer in the case was Detective Constable James Clayton from the force’s Complex Investigation Team (CIT). “This was an entirely unprovoked attack,” he said.
“The victim and her partner were doing everything they could to get their dog back when they were confronted by McDonagh – a dangerous and violent man.”
“What happened that evening had a profound effect on the victim, and she is still reliving her ordeal.” I can only hope that today’s outcome – and the fact that McDonagh is now in jail – will provide some closure.”
