DOMESTIC ABUSER THROWS BLEACH IN GIRLFRIEND'S FACE AND BEATS HER UNCONSCIOUS
On Valentine’s Day, a man assaulted his girlfriend in a particularly brutal manner, pouring bleach on her face and violently attacking her after they shared an unsuccessful dinner outing.Christopher Randles left his partner emotionally shattered after ongoing abuse over several months.
The woman, who has chosen not to be publicly identified, told the court that her physical injuries serve as a constant reminder of the violence she endured, describing Randles as a narcissist and a persistent domestic abuser.
The Liverpool Crown Court was told that Randles, a resident of Alexandra Road in Birkenhead, entered into a relationship with her in spring 2023.
Earlier that year, she reported that he had knocked out her front teeth during a violent assault, but she later withdrew her complaint, and no charges were filed related to that incident.
She revealed that the abuse persisted, including an incident in autumn 2024 when Randles reportedly poured a mixture of water and bleach over her, resulting in swelling around her eyes.
In January, she confronted him after discovering explicit content on his phone.
His response was to punch her from behind and then kick her as she collapsed to the floor.
Their relationship deteriorated further on Valentine’s Day when they dined at a restaurant.
Randles appeared to be angered by her interactions with others and refused to speak to her during the meal.
He then assaulted her again by hitting her head and eye and strangling her to the point where she felt faint and struggled to breathe.
Later that month, Randles answered his front door wielding a machete, prompting her to run away in fear.
The victim’s statement, read out by prosecutor Charlotte Kenny, detailed her daily suffering: she endures constant pain, struggles with sleep, and faces the emotional toll of her injuries and fear.
She described her loss of confidence, partly due to Randles’ remarks about her appearance, and emphasized how his controlling behaviour has left her feeling depleted.
She expressed her ongoing fear of retaliation, despite her family’s reassurances that things might improve, and reaffirmed that every scar she bears is a testament to domestic abuse.
Randles has a criminal history, including convictions for inflicting grievous bodily harm leaving a victim with a fractured jaw and assault causing actual bodily harm.
Defense lawyer Robert Wyn Jones acknowledged Randles’ problematic behaviour but pointed out that he holds some remorse and insight into his actions.
The jury found Randles guilty of controlling and coercive behaviour, three counts of assault causing actual bodily harm, intentional strangulation, and possession of a bladed article in a public place.
He appeared via video from HMP Liverpool, wearing a black Berghaus T-shirt, and was sentenced to four years’ imprisonment along with an indefinite restraining order.
Judge David Potter, when sentencing, highlighted the negative impact Randles’ actions had on his victim.
The judge noted her feelings of worthlessness, depression, and physical and emotional distress, and stated that Randles’ violent assault and humiliating conduct on Valentine’s Night contributed to her suffering.
He acknowledged Randles’ recent display of remorse but reiterated the severity of his offenses, noting their physical and mental toll on the victim.
