Man goes free after paying woman €10k for assault that left her unrecognisable

The court heard the victim still suffers flashbacks and nightmares and 'felt like a shell of a human just waking up to go back to sleep again'

Gavin Gallagher attacked the woman after downing 10 pints and five shorts during an all-day drinking session. Picture: NW Newspix

A man who assaulted a woman so badly that she was unable to recognise herself has avoided jail after paying his victim more than €10,000.

Judge John Aylmer had told Gavin Gallagher that he would suspend his two-year prison sentence if he paid his victim Dearbhla Adams €10,000.