MAN JAILED AFTER TERRIFYING ATTACKS ON EX
Christopher Walsh restricted his ex-girlfriend’s ability to breathe on two separate occasions over a four-day span following a conflict that began on March 6, this was heard at Preston Crown Court.Prosecutor John Richards indicated that the incident was sparked by the complainant sharing a photo on Instagram of herself at the gym, which Walsh was upset about because he couldn’t see who had liked the post.
The court learned that Walsh had been in a relationship with the woman for about two years.
He claimed she was seeking attention and acting suspiciously with her phone, refusing to let him access it.
Mr Richards explained that the next day, Walsh molested her while she was on the bed, placing both hands around her neck and applying pressure after she sent him a message telling him not to contact her again.
He stopped strangling her but remained on top, stating he wouldn’t leave and would always be part of her life.
She begged him to release her, but he threatened to kill her, saying neither of them would leave the room alive, and he would make her life miserable.
When she attempted to leave, Walsh obstructed her path, warning her she wouldn’t survive that night.
On March 8, Walsh accused her of sleeping with her neighbour and threatened to confront him in front of his children.
The following day, the woman contacted her brother to ask about changing the locks, which Walsh saw.
He then accused her of messaging other men.
She told him she had had enough and that their relationship was over.
By March 10, she refused to cuddle him and tried to leave the room.
Walsh told her he had lost everything because of her and had nothing to lose.
He then threatened to kill her, asking how she preferred to die, and giggled nervously about not knowing how to carry out the act.
He got out of bed, approached her, and grabbed her, holding her head back as he claimed he would give her around 30 tablets to kill herself and then himself.
Walsh sat on the bed, shouting to a neighbour about his intentions.
He demanded she kneel and beg, insulting her and saying she could only leave if she paid him £400 for bills.
The victim managed to dial 999 while Walsh was wrestling her to the bed, trying to access her banking app.
Police arrived to find Walsh aggressively claiming “No one is arresting me tonight, good luck lads, I’ll fight you to the death.” Prosecutor Richards noted Walsh’s history of violence toward women, including a 2017 conviction for common assault and a 2022 breach of a restraining order.
Walsh, aged 37 from Chapel Street, Dalton, was convicted by a jury in July this year of threats to kill, common assault, and two counts of strangulation after a four-day trial.
He was sentenced to eight years in prison at Preston Crown Court on August 28.
In her statement, his ex-girlfriend described Walsh as “jealous, possessive, and controlling.” She expressed love for him and hoped he would change, but also revealed she had lived in continual fear and was forced to look over her shoulder.
She shared that her trust in men had been deeply damaged and she now feared manipulation.
Despite noticing “red flags,” she ignored them due to her feelings.
In mitigation, defence barrister Jimmy Vakil explained that Walsh had taken two sleeping tablets, Zopiclone, on March 7, due to a lack of his prescribed medication for mental health.
He emphasised this did not excuse his actions but might explain his frightening behaviour.
Vakil added that Walsh now seeks to improve himself, has engaged with health and substance abuse services while in custody, and understands there will be no future relationship.
He wished her peace and well-being.
Judge Andrew Jefferies KC condemned Walsh’s conduct as “vile” and sentenced him to eight years.
He highlighted the severe psychological harm caused and pointed out Walsh’s past convictions, suggesting they reflected his attitude toward women.
The judge also issued a lifelong restraining order, and Walsh is expected to serve between 40% and 50% of his sentence before being eligible for release on licence.
