A distressing incident unfolded on August 15, 2023, when Helena Coyne, a 37-year-old woman from Withington, was involved in a violent altercation with her father, Michael Coyne. Reports indicate that during a family gathering, Coyne removed her father’s prosthetic leg and assaulted him, resulting in injuries that required medical attention.
According to the prosecution at the Manchester Crown Court, the family had been enjoying a pleasant afternoon together before the situation escalated. Mr. Coyne, a double amputee, is described as particularly vulnerable due to his condition, having lost several fingers to sepsis. A number of family members left around 20:00, but Helena’s demeanor changed dramatically towards her father.
Prosecutor Gavin Howie detailed how Coyne became enraged after learning that her father had sent money to her daughter, his granddaughter. The confrontation turned violent when she yanked off her father’s prosthetic leg and pulled him to the floor. Mr. Howie stated that Coyne then mounted her father and bit his left cheek, breaking the skin. During the assault, Mr. Coyne’s dog, JJ, attempted to intervene, leading to further violence when Coyne kicked the animal in the face.
After the assault, Mr. Coyne contacted the police and received treatment for his injuries, which were documented with photographs. Helena later called the police to confess her actions and was arrested at a nearby hostel.
During questioning, she declined legal representation but admitted her wrongdoing. The court learned that Helena Coyne has a criminal history that includes seven convictions for 11 offences since 2001, primarily related to public disorder and drug-related issues.
In her defense, her lawyer, Zahra Khan, indicated that Coyne was actively seeking mental health support. Judge Paul Lawton condemned the attack, describing it as a “mean, brutal and humiliating assault” on her father, who had been enjoying a happy day with family before the incident.
Judge Lawton noted that, despite the severity of the assault, Coyne’s subsequent confession and her current efforts toward rehabilitation influenced his decision. He stated, “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.”
Ultimately, Coyne received an 18-month community order, which includes participation in the ‘Building Choices’ programme and completion of 25 rehabilitation activity days. She is also subject to an alcohol abstinence monitoring requirement. The judge warned her that failure to comply with these conditions could result in imprisonment.
The charge of causing unnecessary harm to an animal was allowed to lie on file without further action. Judge Lawton emphasized the importance of this opportunity for rehabilitation, urging Coyne to adhere to the court’s directives.
