PETER MELIA FROM WARRINGTON SENTENCED FOR DOMESTIC VIOLENCE IN LIVERPOOL
| Red Rose Database
Warrington Domestic Abuser
Peter Melia, a 40-year-old man from Warrington, was found guilty of multiple domestic violence offenses at Liverpool Crown Court. The court proceedings revealed a disturbing pattern of abusive behavior that began shortly after he entered into a relationship in July 2021. His partner recounted how Melia exerted control over her life, subjecting her to emotional manipulation and physical violence. She described how he insisted she adhere strictly to his rules, including forcing her to change her social media profile picture to one that included him. He also dictated her clothing choices and isolated her from her friends and family by insisting she could only go out with him, effectively cutting her off from her social support network.
During the trial, the prosecution, led by Ken Grant, detailed specific incidents that illustrated Melia’s abusive conduct. These included physical assaults during arguments, such as him smashing her children’s toys in a fit of anger, and forcing her to alter her social media presence. The court also heard about a particularly troubling incident during a trip abroad to Poland, where Melia allegedly assaulted her by backhanding her and jabbing her in the stomach after she liked a Facebook picture of a friend. These acts of violence and coercion painted a clear picture of a controlling and aggressive individual.
It was also revealed that Melia had a criminal history dating back to 2002, with four previous convictions. Notably, he served 31 months in prison in 2017 for assault occasioning actual bodily harm and threats to kill a former partner. Despite his criminal record, Melia expressed remorse during the hearing, submitting a letter in which he apologized and claimed to have made significant efforts to change his life. He stated that he had quit drinking and had taken up self-help activities such as meditation, yoga, and sound baths in an attempt to reform.
His legal representative highlighted Melia’s psychological trauma, noting that he had witnessed domestic violence as a child, which they argued contributed to his behavior. Nevertheless, Melia admitted to engaging in controlling and coercive conduct, including acts of strangulation, and physically assaulting his partner. The court found him guilty of these offenses and sentenced him to two and a half years in prison. Additionally, a five-year restraining order was imposed to protect his former partner from further contact.
During the sentencing, the judge emphasized the severity and unacceptable nature of Melia’s actions, stating that his violence had profoundly affected his partner. Melia was present in court wearing a black Ralph Lauren jumper and responded with a simple “thank you” after the sentence was announced. The judge expressed hope that Melia would continue his efforts to reform and learn from his mistakes, underscoring the importance of accountability and the need to prevent such behavior in the future.
During the trial, the prosecution, led by Ken Grant, detailed specific incidents that illustrated Melia’s abusive conduct. These included physical assaults during arguments, such as him smashing her children’s toys in a fit of anger, and forcing her to alter her social media presence. The court also heard about a particularly troubling incident during a trip abroad to Poland, where Melia allegedly assaulted her by backhanding her and jabbing her in the stomach after she liked a Facebook picture of a friend. These acts of violence and coercion painted a clear picture of a controlling and aggressive individual.
It was also revealed that Melia had a criminal history dating back to 2002, with four previous convictions. Notably, he served 31 months in prison in 2017 for assault occasioning actual bodily harm and threats to kill a former partner. Despite his criminal record, Melia expressed remorse during the hearing, submitting a letter in which he apologized and claimed to have made significant efforts to change his life. He stated that he had quit drinking and had taken up self-help activities such as meditation, yoga, and sound baths in an attempt to reform.
His legal representative highlighted Melia’s psychological trauma, noting that he had witnessed domestic violence as a child, which they argued contributed to his behavior. Nevertheless, Melia admitted to engaging in controlling and coercive conduct, including acts of strangulation, and physically assaulting his partner. The court found him guilty of these offenses and sentenced him to two and a half years in prison. Additionally, a five-year restraining order was imposed to protect his former partner from further contact.
During the sentencing, the judge emphasized the severity and unacceptable nature of Melia’s actions, stating that his violence had profoundly affected his partner. Melia was present in court wearing a black Ralph Lauren jumper and responded with a simple “thank you” after the sentence was announced. The judge expressed hope that Melia would continue his efforts to reform and learn from his mistakes, underscoring the importance of accountability and the need to prevent such behavior in the future.