STEPHEN THOMAS FROM MAIDEN NEWTON SENTENCED FOR BRUTAL ASSAULT IN DORCHESTER

In a case that has shocked the local community of Maiden Newton and the surrounding areas, Stephen Thomas, a resident of Harveys Close in Maiden Newton, has been sentenced to three years in prison following a violent assault on his partner. The incident, which occurred on August 21 of the previous year, resulted in severe injuries that have left the victim, Carolyn Murphy, with lasting physical trauma.

Thomas, aged 59, was brought before Dorchester Crown Court to face charges of assault occasioning grievous bodily harm. The court heard that this assault took place while Thomas was on parole, having been released from prison earlier. His current sentence adds to the weight of his criminal history, which includes a notorious case from 1990 involving the murder of a two-year-old girl, the daughter of his then-partner. Thomas was convicted of that heinous crime and received a life sentence, but he was released on license in 2001, a decision that has now come under scrutiny.

The prosecution, led by Angela England, detailed the brutal nature of the attack. According to her, Carolyn Murphy, who had been in a relationship with Thomas for approximately 18 months, was attacked inside his flat. Miss Murphy was unable to recall the events clearly, only remembering that she had gotten out of bed during the night, locked herself in the bathroom, and attempted to call the police for help. The defendant’s account of the incident was that he forcibly entered the bathroom, causing Miss Murphy to fall and hit her head on the toilet. He claimed that while she was on the floor, he punched her three times, which caused her to lose consciousness.

Thomas further alleged that he dragged her through the open doorway and accidentally stepped on her face after a dog bit him. Despite the injuries, Miss Murphy remained in the flat for two days without seeking medical attention. When she was eventually found, she was covered in blood, with her hair matted and suffering from multiple injuries. The assault left her with two black eyes, fractured eye sockets, and damage to her teeth—12 out of 21 were chipped or broken. She also sustained a slash across her back and thighs, bruising on her lower back, and a distinctive flip-flop mark on her face.

Medical reports confirmed that the facial fractures caused Miss Murphy significant pain and resulted in double vision. She underwent extensive surgery, including the insertion of a metal plate in her face, but her prognosis remains uncertain. The injuries have rendered her unable to work as a bus driver, a profession she previously held. The court was told that her quality of life has been severely impacted, and she now depends heavily on others for daily assistance.

Adding to the gravity of the case, the court revisited Thomas’s past. It was revealed that in 1990, he murdered his partner’s two-year-old daughter. The child had been misbehaving and getting out of bed repeatedly. Thomas struck her in the stomach, causing fatal internal injuries to her liver and pancreas. This act of violence resulted in a life sentence, although he was released on license in 2001.

During the proceedings, Charles Hine, representing Thomas, acknowledged the volatile nature of his client’s relationship with Miss Murphy. He described numerous incidents involving alcohol and emotional distress. Hine expressed that Thomas was deeply remorseful and still harbored feelings of love for Miss Murphy, despite the violence.

Judge Roger Jarvis addressed the court, expressing concern over the defendant’s criminal record and the severity of the recent attack. He emphasized that the attack was sustained and brutal, with injuries that could have been even more devastating. The judge also highlighted the troubling fact that Miss Murphy remained in the flat for over two days before receiving medical help, which exacerbated her suffering. The impact on her life was profound, as she now relies heavily on others and is unable to continue her employment. The judge’s comments underscored the seriousness of the case and the need for appropriate sentencing to reflect the gravity of the crimes committed.