SWANLEY MAN DARRRELL MCARDLE SENTENCED FOR DOMESTIC ABUSE IN GRAVESEND AND MAIDSTONE

A resident of Swanley, Darrell McArdle, has been sentenced to two years in prison after being found guilty of multiple domestic abuse offenses involving two women. The court proceedings revealed a disturbing pattern of physical violence and psychological manipulation inflicted by McArdle, who resided at The Orchard in Swanley.

McArdle had maintained romantic relationships with both victims simultaneously, subjecting them to a campaign of control, intimidation, and violence. His abusive behavior included restricting their social interactions, forbidding them from meeting other men or friends, and exerting dominance over their personal choices. The court heard that McArdle began his abusive conduct towards one of the women in February 2020. By June of that year, he was actively trying to dominate every aspect of her life, insisting she cut off contact with others and erasing her social media accounts. He also issued threats against her family should she attempt to leave him.

One particularly brutal incident occurred in June 2021 at a property in Gravesend, where McArdle repeatedly punched his victim in the head. During this assault, he continued to torment her even as she cried, going so far as to forcibly remove a tooth from her mouth. His violence was not limited to physical attacks; he also inflicted psychological torment, aiming to degrade and humiliate her.

The second victim was assaulted on November 21, 2023, at her home in Maidstone, where McArdle visited her twice. During this ordeal, he punched her multiple times in the face, pinned her to a sofa, and strangled her, demonstrating a pattern of controlling and violent behavior. Following these incidents, McArdle was arrested and brought before Maidstone Crown Court.

At court, he pleaded guilty to charges of controlling and coercive behavior, as well as two counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm. On Monday, April 29, 2024, the court sentenced him to a term of two years’ imprisonment. Additionally, a five-year restraining order was imposed to protect one of the victims from further contact or harassment.

Detective Constable Joe Yandle commented on the case, stating, “McArdle continuously abused, isolated, and tormented one of his victims during much of their relationship, with actions which were clearly intended to humiliate and degrade her. Ultimately, this man is a violent bully and coward who has subjected two women to the most appalling violence but has demonstrated little to no remorse or shame for his deplorable behaviour.”

He further emphasized the bravery of the victims, saying, “I would like to thank and commend both these victims who have shown great courage to come forward, and also reassure anyone who may be in an abusive relationship that we have dedicated teams which work relentlessly to tackle and deter people like McArdle. Victims of domestic abuse often feel frightened, isolated, and even ashamed, but they are never to blame for what is happening. There is a range of support and information available; please phone us or ask a trusted friend or relative to do it. Nobody should feel they don’t have the option to walk away.”