Woman left with brain damage in murder bid caught on CCTV sues Police Scotland

A woman who suffered brain damage in a murder bid caught on CCTV is suing Police Scotland after officers failed to arrest her attacker and instead took the pair to A&E.

Michael Harvey, from Cambuslang, was found guilty of attempted murder last year after brutally attacking the woman he had met for a date in Glasgow on September 30, 2023.

Harvey was caught on CCTV in the city centre and in hotels, shouting aggressively and gesticulating wildly at the victim over the course of a night out.

Police were called, but the court heard Harvey managed to “talk his way out of handcuffs” despite the woman’s condition.

Instead, the pair were taken to A&E by officers, but left before the victim was properly checked out. She was described as “barely functioning” by the time Harvey led her away.

In the early hours of the following morning, hotel footage captured Harvey carrying the badly injured victim to a room they had booked, where he continued attacking her.

Victim suffered ‘traumatic brain injuries’

The victim was eventually found unresponsive by a hotel worker and had suffered “traumatic brain injuries”. She continues to have issues with memory loss, which will not improve and is likely to be on anti-seizure medication for life.

Harvey later told police the woman had fallen outside when “the fresh air hit her” and that she had been “lovey dovey” while they were in accident and emergency.

The 32-year-old, who had been subject to a community payback order at the time following an earlier offence, was jailed for nine years at the High Court in Glasgow.

Lord Colbeck said the woman’s victim impact statement detailed the “devastating consequences” of what he had done.

Prosecutors later failed in a bid to increase the sentence against Harvey, arguing it was unduly lenient.

Victim’s life ‘will never be the same again’

Solicitors Digby Brown are now supporting the victim, who has launched civil action against Police Scotland. It is understood she is seeking a six-figure sum.

A spokeswoman for law firm Digby Brown said: “What happened to [the victim] was a horrific act of violence that left her fighting for her life.

“The injuries she suffered continue to impact her every day, and as a result, her life will never be the same again.

“As this is an ongoing legal case, it would be inappropriate to comment further, but we will continue to support [the victim] with her recovery and pursuit of recognition.”

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “We are aware that the case is ongoing and therefore it would be inappropriate to comment further.”

It is understood that Police Scotland’s actions on the night of the murder bid are being “investigated separately”.

Police Investigations and Review Commissioner has been contacted for comment.