Woman left with fractured skull after 'ferocious and senseless attack' on her by Yorkshire man

Mark O'Flanagan was under the influence of alcohol and drugs when he attacked the woman on October 16, 2019.

He had woken a neighbour on Hazel Avenue, Auckley, South Yorkshire, banging on the window shouting "she's dead, phone an ambulance" after carrying out the attack.

The 46-year-old beat the woman so badly she was left with a bleed on the brain and suffered a fractured skull.

His victim, a 45-year-old woman he had known for just three months, has severe head injuries which left her bleeding hevaily and barely conscious.

O'Flanagan was charged in the days after his arrest but refused to comment when questioned by police. He eventually pleased guilty to section 18 wounding and was jailed for nine-and-a-half year at Sheffield Crown Court on Friday (Nov 13). He was also given a five-year extended licence period to "protect the public from serious harm".

Her Honour Judge Sarah Wright said he had “blighted the lives of others forever” with his actions. She told him: “Your brutality caused physical and psychological harm. She will live with this, physically and cognitively for the rest of her life.”

DI Anna Sedgwick, who oversaw the investigation, said: “The victim has been incredibly strong throughout this investigation and I hope knowing O’Flanagan will be in prison for a significant amount of time will help her to move on from this horrific ordeal. I would like to take this opportunity to thank her for her support over the last 12 months.

“I would also like to thank the investigation team, particularly DC O’Horo, for their excellent work and their continued dedication in supporting victims of domestic abuse and bringing the offenders to justice.

“I hope this sends a strong and clear message that domestic abuse will not be tolerated in Doncaster – or anywhere in South Yorkshire.”

If you are experiencing domestic abuse or you know a friend, relative or neighbour who you think is at risk, please call the police straight away.

-----------------------

Support The Yorkshire Post and become a subscriber today. Your subscription will help us to continue to bring quality news to the people of Yorkshire. In return, you'll see fewer ads on site, get free access to our app and receive exclusive members-only offers. Click here to subscribe.