The 22-year-old has shared images of her injuries on Facebook and claimed she would be punched again rather than let the "coward" get away with it Photo: National News and Pictures

A woman who needed hospital treatment because a man punched her in the face after she told him to stop groping her has vowed not to let threats of violence stop her challenging sexual assaults.

Mary Brandon was dancing with friends when her bottom was groped by the man at an outdoor festival in west London on Monday.

But when she told the man to stop and not repeat what he was doing, he punched her in the face with such force she had to be taken to hospital and was left with a swollen face and painful bruising.

The 22-year-old has shared images of her injuries on Facebook and claimed she would be punched again rather than let the "coward" get away with it. The image has been shared thousands of times.


Ms Brandon has thanked the nurses and carnival officials who helped her on Monday after the attack.

She has also posted a message criticising her attacker and his sexist violence next to the photo. She described him groping her and said when she asked him to stop, he did the same again.

"I pushed him away, exercising my right to tell man to stop touching my body without permission, so he took a swing at me and punched me in the face," she wrote.

The graphic image showed her right eye bloodied and bulging, with bruising across her face, which needed treatment at the carnival and in hospital.

She added: "Carnival is supposed to be about community and good vibes.

"I wanted to have a good time but instead I spent nine hours in A&E because of this coward.

"A woman should be able to leave the house without fear of being sexually assaulted.

"And she should be able to defend herself without being put in hospital.

"The saddest this about this for me was discussing with my friends afterward whether in future it would be best not to do anything at all.

"Maybe it would be safer to just ignore it when someone invades your space and body."

Ms Brandon added: "I can honestly say I will always stand up to someone who thinks they can get away with this behaviour and I would take a punch again from this loser or any other loser who thinks it is ok to treat women like this."

People commenting on the picture branded the man's behaviour as "disgusting" and praised her for being brave in exposing what had happened to her.

Another friend, Tadg O'Connor wrote: "What a total nutter, disgusting behaviour - and I think standing up for yourself is worth more in the long run than a few bruises. Feel better my love! besos xx"

The Metropolitan Police confirmed they are investigating the attack and said they were called to an "allegation of indecent assault and GBH" at 5.30pm on Monday. No arrests have been made in connection with the attack.

Telegraph, London