Woman Jumps from First-Floor Window to Escape Violent Partner, Breaking Her Back
A woman was so terrified of her partner that she jumped from a first-floor window, sustaining a broken back and fractured ankle, in a desperate bid to escape his violent rage over a pizza delivery error. The harrowing incident unfolded at Newcastle Crown Court, where details of the attack were revealed.
Pizza Delivery Mistake Sparks Violent Outburst
Colin Ferry, 36, of Limekiln Close in Wallsend, punched his partner in the face after she ordered a takeaway pizza that was delivered to the wrong address on September 22, 2023. The court heard that Ferry, who had been in a relationship with the victim for four months, called her offensive names and said he could "see why other lads had battered her in the past" before assaulting her, causing bruising.
The woman, who felt she was "walking on egg shells" due to Ferry's controlling and jealous behaviour, feared his actions would escalate and that he might use a knife. In a state of sheer panic, she felt compelled to leap from an upstairs window to get away from him. She landed on her left heel, which bent under her, forcing all her weight onto it.
Desperate Escape and Severe Injuries
After jumping, the woman ran up the street shouting for help and ended up at a tyre shop, where a staff member described her as looking "terrified". She told the worker, "He's coming after me", and explained that Ferry had attacked her because of the pizza mix-up, leading her to jump out of the window to escape.
She was taken to hospital, where medical examinations revealed a broken vertebrae and a fractured ankle. In a victim impact statement, she said she is "petrified" and that her life has been turned upside down since the incident. She has required surgery for her injuries and is awaiting another operation on her ankle, which has prevented her from participating in activities like walking and gymnastics, which she previously enjoyed.
The victim added that she is "on edge all the time", worried about repercussions, and has been forced to move away from her friends as a result of the trauma.
Defendant's Background and Sentencing
Colin Ferry, described as the "black sheep" of a well-known organised crime family in the North East, had sought to distance himself from the "serious organised crime" that was the "family business", the court was told. Despite this, he has seven previous convictions, including for assaulting a man and a battery in a domestic violence context.
Ferry pleaded guilty to inflicting grievous bodily harm and was jailed for 32 months, with a 15-year restraining order imposed. Ian Cook, defending, stated that Ferry is "shocked at the level of injuries" and remorseful, adding that he has tried to live a law-abiding life against a difficult background, avoiding the criminal activities his brother and father were involved in.
This case highlights the devastating impact of domestic violence, where a seemingly trivial argument over a pizza delivery led to life-altering injuries and profound emotional distress for the victim.
