Man who violently attacked woman in Workington jailed

A man who carried out a violent and unprovoked attack on a woman in Workington last month has today been jailed for three years and eight months.

John Pullin, 34, of Birks Road, Cleator Moor was sentenced at Carlisle Crown Court after he admitted attempted grievous bodily harm with intent, two counts of assault and criminal damage, as well as breach of a criminal behaviour order which banned Pullin from the area.

The court heard how police received a 999 call shortly after 5pm on March 3 reporting a woman had been attacked outside the bus station in Murray Road in Workington. Pullin had approached the victim and grabbed her by the head, before throwing her to the ground.

He then grabbed the woman’s suitcase and slammed it on her, before stamping on her head. Two members of staff from Stagecoach bravely intervened in an effort to stop the attack and attempt to restrain Pullin.

However, he then assaulted them too, punching both and breaking one’s glasses in the process. Police then arrived and arrested Pullin at the scene. The victim was taken to hospital after losing consciousness following the attack and suffering a large bump to the back of her head and a fractured nose.

Pullin gave no comment to most questions in his interview. However, when shown the details of the CBO and the map illustrating where he was not allowed to be, he told officers: “I’ll cough to that.”

T/Detective Constable Olivia Foster said: “This was a completely unprovoked and vicious attack on a woman who simply happened to be walking by when Pullin decided to attack.

“The result of Pullin’s violence could have been far more significant, given the brutal nature of the assault. However, the victim is going to be left with the trauma of Pullin’s actions, long after this sentencing.

“I would like to thank not only the victim in this case for the bravery she has shown but also the Stagecoach staff who acted with great courage in stepping forward to attempt to prevent Pullin from continuing his assault.”