HE POSTED ON FACEBOOK THAT HIS GIRLFRIEND HAD FALLEN AND HURT HER FACE BUT THE TRUTH WAS FAR MORE TERRIFYING
A man from Shipley was found guilty of assaulting his girlfriend and later posting on Facebook that she had "fallen and smashed her face." Benjamin Hardy, aged 33, of Hollin Lane, inflicted violence and exerted control over his then-partner during their relationship.Bradford Crown Court heard on Wednesday that the first attack occurred early on, after the couple had been drinking with a friend.
When the friend left, Hardy allegedly turned aggressive, kicking the woman, though she was only left sore with no serious injuries.
Hardy claimed he could not recall the incident.
The court was told of another assault in 2024 at the woman’s home.
Hardy had been drinking and using drugs earlier that day.
During an argument in the bedroom, he reportedly 'flipped' and the woman fell to the floor, unaware of how it happened.
Hardy is said to have stood over her with his hand around her neck, punching her repeatedly before leaving for the toilet and going to bed.
When he woke, Hardy claimed not to remember anything.
The woman sustained injuries including black eyes, bruising on her arms and ears.
The following day, Hardy posted on Facebook, stating, "Only my girlfriend could trip and fall and smash her face." On Boxing Day, Hardy was accused of continuously calling and messaging the woman while she was out with a friend.
He also recorded a video threatening to break her window because she had not responded to him.
The woman reportedly ignored Hardy’s messages.
In another incident on January 24, Hardy, still in bed after drinking, messaged her to do chores despite her feeling unwell.
When she told him the relationship was over and asked him to leave, he allegedly pinned her to the couch, held her throat for about a minute, and made degrading comments about their relationship.
He then resumed choking her and hitting her head, urging her to continue cleaning.
She eventually left and asked him to go.
After Hardy departed, he continued to threaten her via social media messages, including threats to harm her and her family, and warned he might return with companions.
He was eventually arrested and admitted to controlling and coercive behavior.
In her statement, the victim described lasting emotional scars, avoiding public outings, quitting college, and suffering from nightmares and flashbacks, feeling she endured much hardship..
The court noted Hardy’s prior convictions for assault, bodily harm, harassment, and restraining order breaches.
In April 2023, he attacked his father, who he now cares for, due to his father’s dementia.
Defence barrister Anna Chambers conveyed Hardy’s remorse, citing his troubled background, including a history of domestic abuse in his family, health issues, and alcohol dependence.
She emphasized he recognized his problems and sought help but would not live with his father after release.
The judge highlighted Hardy’s need for support in mental health, anger management, and substance abuse.
Recorder Silverton sentenced Hardy to 32 months in prison and issued an indefinite restraining order, strictly prohibiting him from contacting the woman involved.
