Last year, a 50-year-old woman by the name of Lisa Ackerley conducted a vicious and unprovoked assault on a 62-year-old woman at Kells Rugby Club in Whitehaven. This left the victim with facial swelling and the loss of two teeth. Ackerley had a prior history of violence and admitted to the assault, as well as causing criminal damage to the victim’s spectacles.
The attack was the culmination of a longstanding dispute that originated from an incident involving the women’s dogs, ultimately leading to the euthanization of both animals. The tension escalated during a Christmas party at the victim’s house, where Ackerley arrived uninvited and was eventually asked to leave, prompting the assault on May 6 of last year.
The victim was seated in a deck chair, enjoying a band performance during the charity concert when Ackerley approached her in what appeared to be a friendly manner. However, with no warning, Ackerley punched the victim in the face, knocking off her spectacles, and causing further injuries by dragging her to the ground and repeatedly kicking her.
The victim’s statement emphasized the physical and emotional impact of the attack, including the need for dental treatment and the fear of leaving her home alone. Additionally, Ackerley’s previous criminal record was brought to light, which included offenses related to violence and drug use.
During the court proceedings, Ackerley offered a tearful apology, and her defense lawyer cited a previous assault she had suffered, as well as her struggles with mental health conditions, as contributing factors to her behavior. Nevertheless, the presiding judge highlighted the seriousness of the assault and its impact on the victim.
Ultimately, Ackerley was handed a suspended jail term, along with mandatory mental health treatment and alcohol rehabilitation requirements. Furthermore, she was given an electronically monitored curfew and a restraining order to prevent any contact with the victim.
This incident serves as a reminder of the severe consequences of violent behavior, as well as the importance of addressing underlying mental health issues. It further underscores the need for empathy and understanding towards victims of such attacks, who may experience ongoing trauma and fear as a result.