WAKEFIELD MAN CONVICTED OF ATTEMPTED MURDER FOR GIRLFRIEND ATTACK

A man who kicked, punched, and stamped on his girlfriend in a 'ferocious' attack has been found guilty of attempted murder. Benjamin Swindells, aged 29, had denied trying to kill Sophie Conroy, but a jury at Leeds Crown Court unanimously convicted him on Thursday. The court heard that he kicked Ms Conroy's head 'like a football' during the assault in Wakefield on 13 April. Judge Howard Crowson informed Swindells that he would receive 'a substantial prison sentence' when he is brought back to court on 5 December. The judge also stated, 'I'm only adjourning it to help probation services help me decide what risk you present in the future.' Swindells, who has no fixed address, was remanded in custody. The trial revealed he had a previous conviction for battery against another partner in 2019 and had attacked Ms Conroy prior to the incident outside a Tesco Express store. Swindells, who claimed to be a recovering drug addict, admitted to being 'vile' towards her, especially when under the influence, but still professed love for his former partner of one year. He initially denied attacking her before pleading guilty to grievous bodily harm with intent. Swindells expressed remorse, saying, 'I was in denial of the possibility or prospect that I would do that to a woman that trusted me, loved me, and believed in me,' and explained that he 'engaged in a ferocious attack, but I had no intention of killing her.' He also claimed to have no memory of the incident or what prompted his attack. The court is set to sentence him on 5 December, with a substantial prison term expected.