Car Theft Turned Violent: Woman Brutally Attacked While Chasing Stolen Car
On December 8 last year, a purple Nissan X-Trail was stolen from Central Road, Hugglescote. Inside the car was Duke, a beloved black and ginger lurcher belonging to the victim’s partner.
Social Media Tip Leads to Dangerous Confrontation
After launching a social media appeal, the victim and her partner got a tip that the stolen vehicle might be in the Copt Oak Road area. When they found the car and approached those nearby, they were violently attacked. The woman, in her 30s, suffered serious head and arm injuries.
Both fled the scene and sought help at a Markfield service station on Little Shaw Lane. Miraculously, three days later Duke the dog was found safe in Loughborough.
Attacker Caught and Sent Down for Over Eight Years
Police identified 18-year-old Michael McDonagh as the assailant. He was arrested in Merseyside on December 9 and charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent.
At Leicester Crown Court on June 7, McDonagh pleaded guilty and was slammed with an eight year and three month prison sentence. He is also banned from contacting the victim or her family.
Detective Describes ‘Unprovoked Attack’
“This was an entirely unprovoked attack,” Detective Constable James Clayton of the Complex Investigation Team said. “The victim and her partner were just trying to recover their dog when they were confronted by McDonagh – a dangerous and violent man.”
“What happened that evening has had a profound effect on the victim and she is still reliving her ordeal. I hope today’s sentence and McDonagh’s imprisonment bring her some closure.”
