LEWIS ATHERTON'S BRUTAL ASSAULT IN WINSFORD LEADS TO 14-MONTH PRISON SENTENCE

In a disturbing incident that unfolded in the quiet town of Winsford, Lewis Atherton has been found guilty and subsequently sentenced for a savage assault on his former partner. The assault took place in the early hours of September 1, 2023, during a heated argument that erupted on a residential street. Witnesses reported hearing screams and witnessing a violent confrontation that left a lasting impression on those nearby.

According to reports, Atherton engaged in a brutal physical attack against his ex-girlfriend, who was partially undressed at the time. He dragged her along the street, kicked her repeatedly, and punched her as she desperately tried to escape the violence. During the altercation, the woman managed to defend herself by stabbing Atherton in the arm, an act that resulted in a wound requiring stitches. The scene was described by neighbors as particularly harrowing, with one neighbor recounting how Atherton hurled offensive names at her and appeared to kick her while she was crawling back through her front door, emphasizing the severity and public nature of the assault.

Following the incident, Atherton was located and arrested at a nearby petrol station. At the time of his arrest, he was visibly intoxicated. Initially, he denied any involvement in the assault, but on February 13, he pleaded guilty to the charge of assault causing actual bodily harm during a court hearing at Chester Crown Court. Although he faced additional charges related to other assaults, strangulation, criminal damage, and theft involving the same woman, these were ordered to be left on file due to her absence from court proceedings.

On April 2, Atherton returned to court for sentencing. The court found him guilty of a single count of assault causing actual bodily harm and sentenced him to 14 months in prison. The judge, Patrick Thompson, described the attack as disgraceful and emphasized the impact it had on the community, noting that the assault's public nature had instilled fear among witnesses. The judge also highlighted that Atherton’s defense had characterized their relationship as 'toxic' and pointed out that Atherton had sustained injuries during the incident himself.

In addition to his prison sentence, Atherton is required to pay a surcharge and complete a relationship improvement program once he is released from custody. The case underscores the seriousness with which the justice system treats violent assaults, especially those that occur in public and involve vulnerable individuals.