LIAM BLAKE SENTENCED IN TORQUAY FOR VIOLENT ASSAULT IN BRIXHAM

Liam Blake, a 30-year-old resident of Newcomen Road, Torquay, was found guilty of a brutal attack on his partner. The incident took place in Brixham in November of the previous year, when Blake ambushed his partner in her car and bit her face. Court proceedings revealed that Blake waited for her to enter the driver's seat before suddenly lunging at her from behind. The victim described the experience as deeply traumatic, stating, "The image of him appearing in her rear view mirror before launching the attack will stay with her forever." Her injuries included bleeding, scars, and bite marks on her arm, as well as hand marks on her chest and facial scarring. The assault also resulted in a partial loss of feeling in her cheek, which required hospital treatment. During the court hearing, she told the court that the incident was terrifying and that she felt unable to escape, leading to lasting self-consciousness and psychological scars. Blake's anger was initially directed at her because she was not at home when he arrived. He confronted her as she walked through the door just before midnight, described by the court as 'shaking with anger.' He then slapped her, pushed her against a door, and punched her multiple times in the face. During this altercation, the victim managed to scratch Blake on the face, which provoked him to bite her on her bicep in response. The following morning, as she was entering her car, Blake was hiding in the back seat and attacked her again by biting her on the cheek, puncturing her skin and causing bleeding and scarring. She now bears scars and has experienced a loss of sensation on her face. Blake, who admits to two counts of assault causing actual bodily harm, was sentenced to two years and three months' imprisonment by Exeter Crown Court. The prosecution described Blake as possessing a concerning attitude towards violence in relationships, demonstrating a lack of empathy, control issues, and a high risk of reoffending. Judge James Adkin highlighted that Blake’s attitude effectively condoned domestic violence and pointed out his previous conviction related to similar offences. The defense acknowledged that Blake has anger issues and expressed remorse for his actions. However, the court emphasized his prior conduct and referenced a damaging pre-sentence report that outlined a sense of entitlement within his relationship and a dangerous potential for reoffending.