UK: Stranger bites teen's face, victim gets 50 stitches
In the United Kingdom, a 19-year-old student was brutally attacked on a bus by a stranger who bit her face. Ella Dowling was attacked by 53-year-old Darren Taylor, who had reportedly been making inappropriate comments toward her and her friends before the attack. As the bus neared its destination at the Promenade, Taylor suddenly lunged at Dowling, biting her nose and mouth in an assault that lasted about five minutes.
Passengers intervene, detain attacker until police arrive
Dowling's friends and other passengers on the bus intervened to help her escape Taylor. They detained him until the police arrived at the scene. The attack left Dowling with severe injuries, with her left nostril and part of her upper lip being detached except for a thin layer of skin. She was rushed to Gloucestershire Royal Hospital where she underwent emergency surgery and 50 stitches.
Attacker pleads guilty, sentenced to over 6 years in prison
Taylor was arrested on charges of causing grievous bodily harm with intent. He later pleaded guilty to these charges in court. In July 2024, Gloucester Crown Court sentenced him to six years and nine months in prison for his violent actions. He also received a lifelong restraining order against contacting or approaching Dowling.
Victim suffers PTSD, fears using public transport post-attack
The traumatic experience has left Dowling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and she hasn't been able to use public transport since the incident. She said she fears being attacked again and needs to stay connected with family or friends when leaving home. "The pain I felt when he sank his teeth into my face is something which will stay with me forever," Dowling said, describing the attack as feeling like "a dog with a toy."
Detective commends public's bravery, victim's courage
Detective Constable Sophie McGough described the injuries as some of the worst she had ever seen and praised the public's bravery in detaining Taylor. McGough acknowledged the lasting physical and mental impact on Dowling and praised her courage throughout the legal process. "Eating and drinking can still be painful if I eat on a certain side," Dowling said, adding that people say her scar is healing well but for her it's more than a scar—it's a disfigurement.
