Man jailed after Cheltenham bus attack
Darren Taylor, has been sentenced to six years and nine months in prison for a brutal attack on a 19-year-old woman, which left her with severe facial injuries.
A 53-year-old man, Darren Taylor, has been sentenced to six years and nine months in prison for a brutal attack on a 19-year-old woman, which left her with severe facial injuries.
The assault took place on a bus in Cheltenham last November.
The incident occurred around 8:15 pm on Saturday, 18 November, when the victim and two friends boarded a bus in Churchdown heading to Cheltenham.
They noticed Taylor, who appeared intoxicated, making inappropriate remarks.
An argument ensued, and as the bus reached the Promenade, the victim attempted to exit.
Taylor reportedly lunged at her, grabbing her face and viciously biting her nose and mouth.
The victim described the horrifying ordeal, stating that it felt like Taylor was trying to 'tear parts of her face off'.
Despite her and her friends' attempts to fend him off, Taylor inflicted significant injuries before fleeing.
He was detained by members of the public until the police arrived.
The attack left the victim with severe injuries, including a detached left nostril and upper lip, requiring over 50 stitches.
In a statement, she expressed the lasting impact of the assault, revealing that the disfigurement has altered her appearance and continues to affect her mentally and emotionally.
Investigating officer DC Sophie McGough described the injuries as some of the worst she had ever seen and praised the victim for her bravery throughout the legal process.
Taylor, who admitted the offence at Gloucester Crown Court on 26 March 2024, was sentenced on the 18th of July.