A shocking incident unfolded in a busy pub as a man headbutted his partner, leaving her injured and bruised. Lauren Queeley found herself on the receiving end of a violent attack by her then-boyfriend Jonathan Landry during a night out. The assault took place in full view of other patrons, with Lauren sustaining a black eye and hearing a crunch from the impact of the headbutt. Following the incident, Lauren courageously reported the assault to the police, who labelled it as a “football headbutt”.
Despite the trauma she endured, Lauren decided to share her story and CCTV footage of the assault to urge others to make use of Clare’s Law. This legislation allows individuals to enquire with the police about potential partners who may pose a risk of abuse. Reflecting on her relationship with Landry, Lauren recounted how it started as a whirlwind romance in March 2023 but later took a sinister turn as Landry’s behaviour became increasingly abusive.
As their relationship progressed, Landry’s drinking escalated, leading to verbal and physical abuse directed at Lauren during arguments. Despite the toxicity of their relationship, leaving felt daunting for Lauren, as Landry would apologise and downplay his actions, manipulating her into staying. The breaking point came during a pub outing when Landry viciously headbutted Lauren, resulting in severe injuries and hospitalisation.
Landry, who had a history of violence including a previous assault on a partner, was subsequently sentenced to prison for actual bodily harm. Despite her ordeal, Lauren emphasised the importance of Clare’s Law in empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their relationships. She advocated for awareness and vigilance, stressing that abusers rarely disclose their violent tendencies upfront.
In a bid to prevent others from falling victim to abuse, Lauren shared her harrowing experience and underscored the significance of recognising warning signs and seeking help. By shedding light on her traumatic journey, Lauren aimed to raise awareness and encourage others to prioritise their safety and well-being in relationships.