MAN LEFT EX-PARTNER COVERED WITH BRUISES AND TWO BLACK EYES
A 23-year-old man has been sentenced to one year in prison after he assaulted his former partner while intoxicated, resulting in two black eyes and numerous bruises across her body.During a hearing at Gloucester Crown Court, prosecutor Neil Treharne explained that Myles Cox, who resides on Broadway Lane in South Cerney, encountered his ex-girlfriend at the Old George Inn in her village on December 3, 2021, while she was out drinking with friends.
Despite being under police bail restrictions that barred him from seeing her due to an earlier incident, Cox tried to arrange to meet her for Christmas.
The woman ignored his attempts and continued socialising.
Mr.
Treharne stated that later, at about 11.30 pm, as she was walking home alone through a poorly lit alleyway, she noticed Cox was following her.
He called out, asking, “Am I coming back to yours?” to which she responded, “No chance.” At this point, Cox became aggressive, striking her in the face.
He persistently punched her in the head, causing her to fall to the ground, where he began kicking her all over her body.
Cox's reaction was a dismissive ‘good,’ but the woman managed to escape and return home.
She was advised to seek medical treatment for her injuries.
After Cox kicked her in the back, leaving her winded, she yelled that he was going to kill her.
The police were called, and photographs of her injuries significant bruising on her face, eyes, torso, and legs were taken.
She was subsequently taken to hospital for medical attention.
Two days later, Cox was arrested when he surrendered to the police, which was part of his bail conditions.
He cooperated with officers but did not communicate during his interview about the incident.
In her victim impact statement, the woman shared her distress, explaining that she had to justify her bruising to others and that the injuries especially to her back were causing her ongoing pain and difficulty sleeping.
She requested a restraining order to keep Cox away from her.
Defence counsel Steven Young argued that Cox showed remorse and that he could not recall the assault due to being intoxicated.
Mr Young also noted that both parties had been drunk on the night of the attack and that Cox had accepted responsibility by pleading guilty early.
He emphasised that Cox had recently gained employment and might lose his job if imprisoned.
Cox admitted to assaulting the woman, causing actual bodily harm.
Judge Recorder Robin Sellers told Cox that, as described by the victim, he had been intoxicated and arrogant when approaching her in the pub, then followed her after she left alone.
He described Cox’s attack as prolonged, involving kicking her to the ground, despite being on police bail conditions he violated by attempting to contact her.
The judge noted the severity of her injuries and Cox’s acceptance of guilt, concluding that only a custodial sentence was appropriate.
He sentenced Cox to 12 months in prison, imposed a £156 victim surcharge, and ordered a five-year restraining order to prevent him from contacting the victim in any way.
