Daughter bites dad’s face after ripping his prosthetic leg off in vile boozy struggle
Helena Coyne became angry after her father sent money to her daughter, his granddaughter – she not only attacked her amputated father but also his loyal dog who was trying to defend him
A woman reportedly yanked off her father’s prosthetic leg before mounting him and sinking her teeth into his face. Helena Coyne, who had been drinking, also booted her dad’s dog during the vile assault.
The 37-year-old, from Withington, was dragged before magistrates following the shocking incident on August 15 this year. She walked away with a community order after pleading guilty to occasioning actual bodily harm.
A judge declared: “This was a mean, brutal and humiliating assault which you committed on your own father.” Prosecuting, Gavin Howie earlier told Manchester Crown Court that Coyne’s father Michael is a double amputee who lives with his dog, reports the Manchester Evening News.
He had “several fingers amputated” after contracting sepsis, the court heard. Mr Howie further stated: “He lives in a ground floor flat specially adapted for his needs.
“A number of family members were visiting him at home on the day of the incident, including the defendant. Everyone was said to be in good spirits.
“The guests left at around 8pm, apart from the defendant, whose attitude was said to change towards her father.” Coyne became “irate and angry” towards her father because he had sent her daughter – his granddaughter – money.
Mr Howie said: “She did not like the idea that he was providing for her. While he was sat on the sofa, she held him by his prosthetic leg – which was pulled off – and pulled him onto the floor.
“She then got on top of him and bit his left cheek, breaking the skin, and held it there for some 15 seconds. He tried to push her off but her grip was too strong.”
The court heard how Mr Coyne’s dog JJ attempted to defend him before Coyne kicked the pet in the face. After leaving the scene, her father contacted the police.
He received treatment for his injuries, which were documented with photographs. Coyne later phoned the police to confess and was subsequently arrested at a hostel.
When questioned by the police, she declined legal representation and admitted her actions. The court was informed that Coyne has a history of seven convictions for 11 offences dating back to 2001, including public disorder and drug-related crimes.
In mitigation, Zahra Khan made no representations to the court, other than to indicate her client was actively seeking mental health support. Judge Paul Lawton condemned the attack, stating: “This was a mean, brutal and humiliating assault which you committed on your own father,” and “The day was said to be a happy afternoon with everybody in good spirits.
“But when everyone else had left, you became increasingly irrational and irate over something entirely trivial.” He added: “Your father was particularly vulnerable due to his condition.
“You pulled him to the floor, climbed on top of him and bit him. It was an utterly humiliating assault.
“You quickly regretted your behaviour, calling the police and immediately confessing to what you did. That is what stops me from imposing an immediate custodial sentence.
“It is accepted that you were in drink at the time. You deny having an alcohol dependency or any alcohol issues.
“You have been homeless but you now have stable accommodation. There is a clear prospect of your rehabilitation.
“I believe if I were to impose a custodial sentence it would be completely destructive and not be in the public interest.” Coyne, of Wilmslow Road, Withington, was handed an 18-month community order, ordered to participate in the ‘Building Choices’ programme, and instructed to complete 25 rehabilitation activity days.
The charge of causing unnecessary harm to an animal was permitted to lie on file. The judge also imposed an alcohol abstinence monitoring requirement.
“You need to grasp this opportunity with both hands,” he warned her. “If you do not comply, you will be back before me and there will be little choice but to send you to prison.”
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