NOCTORUM DAD JAILED AFTER DRUNKEN ATTACK LEAVES GIRLFRIEND WITH BROKEN NOSE
A father "acted in a highly violent manner" after his former partner returned home from a child's birthday gathering to discover him drinking gin in her bed.Peter Cavanagh physically assaulted his ex-partner when confronted about his drunken behavior, resulting in a fractured nose.
Adding insult to injury, he then stole her Range Rover and drove off, crashing into a neighbor's BMW along the way.
Now expressing a desire to change his behavior, a judge today told him, "the choice is yours," as he was remanded into custody and warned, "The women in your life are not there to be beaten and hurt." At Liverpool Crown Court on Wednesday, it was revealed that Cavanagh had started a relationship with Ashley Price in 2017, but they separated in March 2025 following numerous disagreements fueled by alcohol.
Despite the breakup, the couple, who share two children, reportedly maintained a "civil" relationship, with Ms.
Price staying overnight at her home without issues on March 20 this year.
Prosecutor Paul Blasbery explained that Ms.
Price woke around 5.30am the next morning to find Cavanagh intoxicated on her bed.
She requested that he leave, but he refused.
Police attended the scene around 8am, removed Cavanagh, and warned him not to return.
Ms.
Price then attended a birthday party with her youngest daughter before returning home shortly before 3pm.
However, she was horrified to find Cavanagh once again lying on her bed, drinking a bottle of Bombay Sapphire gin.
She has no memory of what happened afterwards, but she was found unconscious and later sustained bruises, swelling, and a broken nose from the assault.
Subsequently, Ms.
Price discovered that Cavanagh had taken her Range Rover Evoque outside the house.
CCTV footage showed him reversing into a neighbor's BMW before fleeing the scene, causing considerable damage.
She reportedly experienced flashbacks due to the trauma and felt "uncomfortable" in her own home, prompting her to move out.
The property was rented from her ex's father.
Defending, John Weate stated: "His previous convictions for assault are relevant and aggravating.
Since his release from a 2019 sentence, he has no further convictions.
His issues primarily stem from alcohol and cocaine misuse, which have increased notably since losing his job in October 2025.
This financial strain and relationship tensions worsened, leading to this incident.
He is genuinely ashamed of his actions and finds them distressing.
He wants to rebuild his relationship with his children." Mr.
Weate explained that Cavanagh’s vehicle was blocked by a van when he attempted to leave, so he took the Range Rover impulsively.
He described the offense as "spontaneous and impulsive" and emphasized his client's desire to understand the harm caused and to engage with support services upon release.
Cavanagh pleaded guilty to assault causing actual bodily harm, theft of a vehicle, and failing to stop after an accident.
Appearing via video from HMP Liverpool in a navy blue Asics tracksuit top, he was sentenced to 32 months in prison, a two-year driving ban, and a ten-year restraining order.
Judge Simon Medland KC stated: "Your relationship had difficulties, and your victim is honest in saying that when sober and drug-free, you are a decent man.
Sadly, you got excessively drunk on gin and behaved abhorrently towards her in her own home.
Your actions caused serious injury — you punched her forcefully, broke her nose, and turned her life upside down.
She has had to relocate because of your violence.
Women are not there for you to hit and harm." He continued: "When you were sober, you admitted your guilt and showed bravery in accepting responsibility.
You have expressed genuine remorse and a desire to change — to stop drinking and taking drugs.
If you truly follow through, your life and those around you can improve.
The choice now lies with you."
