Patrick Kubacak, a part-time model and semi-pro footballer, was making his usual journey home through Urmston in Manchester when his life was forever changed.

On that Monday evening, he planned a quiet night with his fiancée, Jade, who was expecting their baby. He walked his regular path between Kingsway Park and Skye Road when a man in a high-vis jacket approached him.

The attacker, Michael Canning, assaulted Patrick with a knife in a shocking act of violence that left him severely wounded and psychologically scarred.

Canning, later found guilty at Manchester Crown Court, was said to have a history of mental health issues. Despite this, he showed no empathy for his actions.

Patrick's injuries have had lasting impacts on his career and wellbeing. The scars hindered his modelling prospects, and the physical damage has kept him off the football field.

Despite the brutal attack, Patrick continues to rebuild his life with Jade. Their relationship has been tested, and they have relocated to find peace and security.

The court has sentenced Michael Canning to life, with a minimum term of 20 years, giving Patrick and his family some closure.