ETHAN EDWARDS SENTENCED IN ST AUSTELL FOR BRUTAL ASSAULT ON 61-YEAR-OLD WOMAN

Ethan Edwards, a 20-year-old from Trevithick Road in St Austell, has been convicted of a violent assault on a 61-year-old woman. The court heard that Edwards launched a vicious attack after the woman tried to intervene during an assault on another individual. During the assault, Edwards shouted, "why won't you just die," while stomping on her head and causing severe injuries.

The victim sustained fractures to her eye sockets and nose, as well as permanent scars and other serious injuries that impacted her eyesight. She now struggles with shadows in her eyes, which prevents her from driving at night or watching TV. Additionally, she developed tinnitus as a consequence of the attack.

The incident occurred on November 1 of the previous year. Edwards fled the scene but was later detained by a pub bouncer until police arrived. While in custody, he continued to spit at officers and urinated in the police vehicle. He was charged with assault by beating and Section 18 causing grievous bodily harm with intent, to which he pleaded guilty.

During the court hearing, the victim expressed her feelings of insecurity, stating she no longer feels safe and feels compelled to leave her community. She described feeling like "a wounded animal" and said she thought she was going to die.

The court was also told that Edwards had no recollection of the night but showed remorse and shame for his actions. His defense team highlighted his challenging background, including a difficult childhood, exposure to domestic violence, learning difficulties, and struggles with autism, PTSD, and intoxication at the time.

Recognizing these factors, the judge sentenced Edwards to four and a half years in prison, with two-thirds to be served before release on licence. A restraining order was also issued for ten years to protect the victim.