Brutal Punch Leaves Pregnant Partner Scarred
Luke Woods, a convicted killer, has struck again. The 22-year-old, who was previously jailed for murdering pensioner Len Saunders with a single punch, attacked his 30-week pregnant partner in a shocking and unprovoked assault.
Pregnant Woman Knocked to Ground in Liverpool
On December 6 last year, Lauren Jackson was celebrating her sister’s birthday in Liverpool when Woods bombarded her with calls. After a phone argument, she refused to meet him. But Ms Jackson eventually relented and met Woods near Fosters Park in St Helens.
Without warning, Woods punched her straight in the face, knocking her to the ground. The blow left a 2cm gash on her upper lip that needed stitches and left a permanent scar, possibly requiring plastic surgery.
Repeat Offender With Violent Past
Woods’s violent history is grim. In 2017, at just 17, he was locked up for manslaughter after fatally punching 65-year-old charity volunteer Len Saunders. Woods asked the stranger for a cigarette before delivering the fatal blow that led to Saunders’ death nine days later.
Judge Calls Woods ‘Animal’; Imprisoned Again
“You acted like an animal,” Judge David Aubrey KC told Woods during sentencing. “Your impulsiveness and failure to control your emotions led to this nasty injury that may require plastic surgery.”
Woods pleaded guilty to assault causing actual bodily harm and was sentenced to two years in prison at Liverpool Crown Court. The judge noted Woods’ recognition of his problems but warned that without it, he could have faced an indeterminate sentence.
Defence Hopes for Change Behind Bars
Defence lawyer Louise McCloskey said Woods had “impulsivity and an inability to control his emotions,” but claimed he was showing sincere regret. She argued the prospect of fatherhood is pushing him to turn his life around.
Whether Woods can leave his violent past behind remains to be seen, but one thing’s clear – this is no first-time offender who’s out of control.
