Bridegroom left with fractured skull and two brain bleeds in near-fatal attack
Scott Sutcliffe, 33, has been sentenced to 20 months imprisonment suspended for two years after pleading guilty to grievous bodily harm in an attack on Lee Burns, on his stag night, outside a bar in Poulton-le-Fylde, Lancashire. Despite the fact that Lee had to undergo a life-threatening operation, Sutcliffe walked free after his mild sentence, raising concerns about the reliability of the justice system.
The Terrible Injuries
Lee Burns, 41, was attacked on April 16 last year, weeks before his planned wedding to Sara. Sutcliffe’s brutal assault left Lee with a fractured skull and two brain bleeds, leading to significant pressure and swelling on his brain that required immediate medical intervention. Consequently, he underwent surgery in which a portion of his skull and brain were removed in an attempt to stop the bleeds and relieve the swelling, all while being placed in an induced coma.
The Sentencing and Reaction
Despite the severity of Lee’s injuries, Sutcliffe was only given a suspended 20-month prison sentence at Preston Crown Court on January 26, prompting Lee and Sara to express their frustration and disappointment with the justice system. Sutcliffe was ordered to adhere to an electronically monitored curfew and pay £14,000 in compensation to Lee.
Life-Changing Consequences
The attack has undoubtedly had a lasting impact on Lee, who had to endure another surgery to have a titanium plate fitted in his skull. This, coupled with “life-long injuries,” leaves the couple uncertain about the future. They have expressed their determination to tackle the adversities together, showcasing admirable resilience in the face of injustice and adversity.
The Silver Lining
In light of the harrowing experience, Lee and Sara have found a silver lining in renewing their promise to each other and embarking on a fresh start, leaving behind the trauma of the past year. While their journey toward recovery will be rife with challenges, they refuse to dwell on the past, choosing instead to focus on building a new and meaningful life together. They are committed to facing the future head-on, even as they acknowledge the long-term repercussions of the attack and vow to remain a strong, united front.
Conclusion
The distressing ordeal that Lee Burns was subjected to serves to highlight the flaws within the justice system. Despite the severity of the attack and the life-threatening injuries that Lee sustained, the light sentence handed to the perpetrator is a disheartening outcome that has left Lee and Sara feeling betrayed and disheartened. Nonetheless, their resilience and unwavering support for each other only strengthen their determination to confront their challenges and emerge victorious.