Det James Cronin, of the North East BCU Safeguarding Unit, said: Deegan committed a cold, calculated and savage attack on a victim who is very lucky to have survived. Had it not been for the help she received from the community immediately following the attack, and the assistance provided by first responders and medical specialists, the outcome could have been even more severe.
“For the victim, the resulting scars from this incident will not only be physical, and they will last far beyond the healing of wounds. I would like to thank all the witnesses from the local community who came forward to assist our investigation and the many police officers and medics who have helped remove this dangerous individual from our streets.”