Gogglebox star Andrew Bennett left with broken back and PTSD after horror attack
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Gogglebox star Andrew Bennett rose to fame on the Channel 4 hit show with his friend Fawn, but everything changed when he fell victim to a horrific attack which left him hospitalised back in 2018. The reality star said the ordeal has left him with PTSD, depression and anxiety.
Andrew said: ”I had a broken back, what’s known as a transverse fracture.
“I’ve had PTSD, depression, anxiety, flashbacks to that night. It’s like a waking nightmare.”
“Being on TV, being a party person and being used to do a lot of horse riding, then to have everything taken away was daunting.”
Andrew was attacked outside a bar while his friends were inside.
Speaking to The Mirror, he said he remembers the attacker running towards him before he was swept off his feet into the middle of the road where he was kicked and punched.
He was rushed to Sunderland Royal hospital in the early hours.
Andrew has since had intensive physio as well as strong rehabilitation on a zimmer frame and crutches.
Last Friday, the attacker has pleaded guilty to actual bodily harm at South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court.
He will carry out 80 hours of unpaid work, pay £1,500 in compensation and £85 in costs to the Crown Prosecution Service.
It is not known if Andrew knew the attacker.
The Gogglebox star added of the ordeal: “I’ve been through so much trauma.
“It’s had an impact these past two years.
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Despite his ordeal, the reality star said he never felt angry towards his attacker and is grateful to be able to walk and talk.
He added: “I’ve had a very stable upbringing, knowing what was right and wrong. Maybe he wasn’t fortunate enough to have that.”
Back in 2018, Northumbria Police told The Sun: “At 11.18am on Saturday December 1, we received a report of an assault on Vine Place, Sunderland.
“A 43-year-old man was pushed over and suffered minor injuries.
“He was taken to hospital as a precaution and officers later spoke with him at his home address.”
Andrew and Fawn were among a few new faces who were added to series 12 of Gogglebox.
The pair, from South Shields, left viewers in stitches as they discussed the latest TV shows while sipping on gin and tonic.
Gogglebox continues tomorrow at 9pm on Channel 4.
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