Brutal Christchurch Attack Lands Man in Jail for Over Eight Years
A violent assault in Christchurch has left one woman with life-changing injuries and sent her attacker behind bars. Owen Alan Ackers, 23, from Burton’s Lineside, was locked up for eight and a half years after pleading guilty to two counts of causing grievous bodily harm with intent at Bournemouth Crown Court on 17 November 2020.
Savage Assault in Burton Home
On the afternoon of 21 April 2020, Ackers was drinking and socialising at his home with two women he knew—one in her 20s and the other in her 40s. An argument quickly turned violent. Ackers relentlessly punched one woman in the face, landing heavy blows to her left side while she managed to call 999.
The second woman tried to intervene and pull Ackers away. Instead, he attacked her too, knocking her unconscious. Even when she was out cold on the floor, Ackers bit her face near her nose and brow, causing devastating injuries.
Fleeing the Scene—But Not for Long
After the savage assault, Ackers fled the property. Police launched an immediate search, locating him hidden in a bush shortly after. He was arrested and charged.
The woman who suffered the bite wounds needed surgery for life-altering facial injuries, along with cuts, bruises, and a dislocated finger. The second victim endured a head injury and severe bruising to her face, chest, and shin.
Police Speak Out: Zero Tolerance for Violence
Detective Constable Leila Whittle of Bournemouth CID said: “This was a truly horrific and terrifying incident for the two women who were both subjected to unrelenting and brutal assaults by Ackers.
“Nobody deserves to be violently assaulted and I hope this case demonstrates that we are committed to protecting victims who are sadly exposed to this type of behaviour.
“Dorset Police takes domestic abuse extremely seriously and we will do everything we can to support victims and secure justice for violent offenders.
“I would like to take this opportunity to reach out to anyone suffering from domestic abuse during the festive period and reassure you that we are here for you and will investigate any report made to us.”
