MAN JAILED AFTER SUBJECTING WOMAN TO SERIOUS ABUSE
In March, a man was sentenced after being convicted of leaving a woman battered, bruised, and in fear for her safety.The incident involved a woman in her early 30s who, on 14 October 2025, escaped from the home of 29-year-old Joshua Maguire in Crawley following a period of escalating abuse during her visit.
She found safety by concealing herself inside an abandoned fridge on the street and attempted to reach out to a friend for help.
Prior to this event, Maguire had a history of violent, obsessive, and psychologically abusive conduct.
The abuse continued when he contacted the woman on 15 October 2025, threatening to 'trash' her flat.
When police examined the premises, they discovered it was extensively damaged, flooded, and many of her belongings were broken.
Maguire also sent images and videos of himself wrecking the flat and issued additional serious threats.
The next evening, as she was returning to a friend's residence, Maguire appeared, having concealed himself in a nearby garden.
He assaulted her, delivering punches, knocking her to the ground, and kicking her multiple times.
The victim’s friend, who tried to help, was also injured during this altercation.
Maguire was located and arrested by police on 20 October, facing multiple criminal charges.
He appeared before Crawley Magistrates' Court on 21 October, charged with offences including burglary with intent to damage, assault by beating, bodily harm, and threats to kill or cause serious injury.
Although he was released on bail with a ban on contacting the victim, he violated this condition almost immediately and was re-arrested the same day.
On 22 October, Maguire was remanded in custody while awaiting trial.
His case was heard at Worthing Magistrates' Court starting 17 December; one charge related to injuries inflicted on the victim’s friend was dismissed due to lack of evidence.
On 5 January, the jury found him guilty of the remaining charges.
He was detained until his sentencing on 18 March, which sentenced him to four years in prison and imposed two restraining orders to prevent any contact with the victim or her friend.
