GARY PEARCE'S BRUTAL ATTACK IN CARLISLE LEAVES WOMAN TERRIFIED

A distressing incident unfolded on a street in Carlisle when a young woman was subjected to a violent assault by her boyfriend, prompting a brave intervention by a Good Samaritan. The events took place on January 30, beginning at a residence on Rashdall Road, Morton, where 21-year-old Gary Pearce had initially gone with the intention of celebrating a family birthday. He brought along a bottle of vodka, which contributed to the escalation of the night’s turmoil.

According to court reports, Pearce’s relationship with his then-girlfriend, Samantha Losh, was strained that evening. An argument erupted inside Pearce’s home, leading Miss Losh to decide to leave the premises. As she attempted to walk away, Pearce followed her, grabbing her arm in an attempt to prevent her from leaving. Miss Losh managed to break free from his grasp and hurried along Levens Drive, seeking to distance herself from him. However, Pearce persisted in following her, and the situation quickly turned violent.

Witnesses described how Pearce began physically assaulting Miss Losh. He started punching her and grabbing her hair, causing her to scream for help. The court heard that the assault intensified as Pearce continued to attack her, kicking and punching her in the midsection while she was at a bus stop on Levens Drive. The violence escalated further when Pearce bent her forward and kicked her in the face, an act that left her visibly distressed and in pain. The prosecutor, Peter Kelly, highlighted that Miss Losh’s screams were so loud that they could be heard by a nearby resident over the noise of a television, indicating the severity of the attack.

Concerned by the loud cries, a householder, who was alarmed by the commotion, decided to investigate. He quickly left his home, jumped into his car, and drove towards the bus stop. Upon arriving, he saw the ongoing assault and, concerned for Miss Losh’s safety, wound down his window and asked if she needed help. She responded affirmatively and, in a state of distress, entered the man’s vehicle. The Good Samaritan then drove her into the city centre, where she met a friend for safety.

During the court proceedings, Pearce admitted to a charge of common assault. The magistrates described the incident as a “sustained assault,” emphasizing that Pearce had repeatedly kicked his former girlfriend in the face. It was also revealed that Pearce had consumed a significant amount of alcohol, including vodka, which likely contributed to his aggressive behavior.

Miss Losh later told police that she would not normally get into a car with a man she did not know, but her fear of Pearce compelled her to seek help. She expressed ongoing concern about her safety, especially in the city centre, fearing she might encounter Pearce again.

Representing Pearce, Sara Budniak acknowledged the incident was particularly nasty but emphasized that he was “incredibly remorseful.” She explained that Pearce does not usually drink heavily, and that on this occasion, he was intoxicated, which was out of character for him. Pearce is described as a hardworking individual employed as a train cleaner on the railway. His employer provided a character reference, attesting to his good reputation at work.

Despite the severity of the attack, magistrates expressed surprise that Miss Losh did not require hospital treatment. Pearce was sentenced to 18 weeks in jail, but the sentence was suspended for two years. As part of his sentence, he is required to attend 15 days of rehabilitation and complete 200 hours of unpaid community work. Additionally, Pearce must pay £300 in compensation to Miss Losh, along with £85 in court costs and an £80 victims surcharge. The court’s decision reflects the seriousness of the assault and the need for accountability, while also considering Pearce’s remorse and personal circumstances.