A teenage girl in Britain suffered a horrific attack on a bus when a drunk stranger allegedly assaulted her. according to Metro, The incident happened last year when Darren Taylor, 53, started making inappropriate comments about Ella Dowling and her friends. An argument ensued between them, but as the bus stopped at the Promenade and the girl tried to get off, Taylor attacked her. He grabbed the 19-year-old girl’s face and repeatedly bit her nose and mouth. The violent attack lasted about five minutes, leaving Ms Dowling seriously injured.
With the help of her friends, she managed to escape and bystanders held Taylor until the police arrived. He was arrested on charges of causing grievous bodily harm with intent to seriously injure a teenage student. All but a thin layer of skin from his left nostril to the bottom of his upper lip was removed. His right lip was also cracked and bite marks were visible on his nose and mouth.
The young woman was immediately taken to Cheltenham General Hospital before being taken to Gloucestershire Royal Hospital for emergency surgery. His injuries required 50 stitches.
In March 2024, Taylor pleaded guilty to GBH with intent at Gloucester Crown Court. On 18 July, he received a prison sentence of six years and nine months with a lifetime banning order.
A man has been jailed after biting a woman in the face and causing serious injuries.
Darren Taylor attacks 19-year-old victim on a bus #cheltenham In November last year (2023).
More details on the case here: pic.twitter.com/2PHcZU1Kbp
– Gloucestershire Constabulary (@Glos_Police) 9 August 2024
“The pain I felt when he sank his teeth into my face is something that will stay with me forever,” said Ella, a social work student at the University of Portsmouth, from Cheltenham, Gloucestershire. He was like a toy dog – moving his head here and there. I put my hands behind his head because I knew if I didn’t he would completely tear my lips and nose. When I looked at my face for the first time after the attack, I couldn’t recognize my reflection and couldn’t look in the mirror for several months after that.”
Ms Dowling revealed that the traumatic experience left a lasting impact on her. She has not taken a bus since the incident due to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). She needs constant reassurance whenever she leaves her home, requiring her to talk to her mother or a friend on the phone because of the intense fear of being attacked again.
She added, “People say my wound is healing, but to me it is more than a scar, it is a disfigurement and a permanent reminder of what happened to me. I smile and talk differently, it’s something I’ll have to learn to live with for the rest of my life.”
Detective Constable Sophie McGough commented, “The injuries Taylor suffered were the worst I have ever seen. His actions that evening were appalling, and I am relieved that he will now spend time behind bars.”
