Helena Coyne, 37, was hauled before Manchester Crown Court following the shocking incident
Helena Coyne leaving Manchester Crown Court(Image: Manchester Evening News)
A woman removed her dad’s prosthetic leg, climbed on top of him and bit his face in a shocking incident. Helena Coyne, who had been drinking, also kicked her father’s dog during the disturbing assault.
The 37-year-old, from Withington, Manchester, was brought before court following the attack on August 15 this year. She received a community order after she admitted occasioning actual bodily harm. A judge addressing her said: “This was a mean, brutal and humiliating assault which you committed on your own father.”
Prosecutor Gavin Howie informed Manchester Crown Court that Coyne’s dad is a double amputee who lives with his dog. The court heard that he had “several fingers amputated” after suffering from sepsis, reports the Manchester Evening News.
Mr Howie added: “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 allegedly became “irate and angry” with her dad because he had given money to her daughter – his granddaughter. 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 the victim’s dog, JJ, attempted to defend him before Coyne kicked the pet in the face. After leaving the scene, her father contacted the police.
The victim received medical treatment for his injuries, which were documented through photographs. Coyne later phoned the police to confess, leading to her arrest at a hostel.
When questioned by the authorities, she declined legal representation and admitted to her actions. Judge Paul Lawton was informed that Coyne has a history of seven convictions for 11 offences dating back to 2001, including public disorder and drug-related crimes.
Helena Coyne leaving Manchester Crown Court(Image: Manchester Evening News)
Defending, Zahra Khan made no representations to the court, other than to suggest her client was “actively seeking” mental health support.
Judge Lawton told Coyne: “This was a mean, brutal and humiliating assault which you committed on your own father. 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, instructed to participate in the “Building Choices” programme, and ordered to undertake 25 rehabilitation activity days.
The charge of causing unnecessary harm to an animal was permitted to remain on file. The judge also implemented an alcohol abstinence monitoring requirement.
Judge Lawton warned her: “You need to grasp this opportunity with both hands. If you do not comply, you will be back before me and there will be little choice but to send you to prison.”