JOEL FRICKER'S BRUTAL ATTACK IN BLACKBURN LEAVES PREGNANT WOMAN IN FEAR

A disturbing incident involving violence and assault has resulted in the imprisonment of Joel Fricker, a 20-year-old man from Blackburn. The assault took place in November and involved Fricker violently attacking his pregnant girlfriend, causing her serious injuries and emotional trauma.

According to reports from Lancashire Police, the incident occurred after the victim, who was six months pregnant at the time, had been out enjoying a meal with friends. She encountered Fricker around 20:30 GMT near her home in Blackburn, where he immediately became confrontational towards her and her companions. The situation escalated quickly when Fricker threatened to physically harm her friends and their partners, creating a tense and dangerous atmosphere.

Without warning, Fricker knocked the 19-year-old woman to the ground from behind, causing her to fall and sustain injuries. He then forcibly dragged her into his car, despite her screams and protests. The assault was not only physical but also deeply frightening, especially considering her pregnancy. The police later located Fricker close to her residence and responded swiftly to the scene.

Emergency services transported the injured woman to the hospital, where she was found to have significant facial injuries and a bite mark on her arm. Her condition was taken seriously, and she received medical treatment for her injuries. The incident left her emotionally devastated, and in an impact statement, she expressed her confusion and pain, saying: "I don't understand why he did this to me, but what's more confusing is why he did this to my innocent unborn baby. I’ll never understand why, it’s something I’ll have to live with forever."

Joel Fricker was brought before Preston Crown Court, where he pleaded guilty to the charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm. His actions earned him a two-year prison sentence. Additionally, the court imposed a five-year restraining order to prevent any contact with the victim in the future.

Detective Constable Gemma Anderson condemned Fricker’s actions, describing the attack as “spontaneous and cowardly,” and emphasized that such behavior was utterly disgraceful. She highlighted that Fricker poses a clear danger to women, especially those who are vulnerable or pregnant, and stressed the importance of holding him accountable for his violent conduct.