A “bully” who stuck his thumbs into the corners of his ex-girlfriend’s eyes after she broke up with him has been sentenced. Layton Bowman, 20, from Blurton, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, assaulted his victim, strangled her and threatened her with a knife on May 10.
Prosecutor Alison Whalley told Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court that Bowman threatened to beat his former partner “black and blue”. The victim had been staying at a friend’s house after splitting up with Bowman, the court heard. Ms Whalley said Bowman “banged on the door until she opened it” and made a derogatory remark.
She told the court: “He pushed her face with his right fist, entering the home. He began smoking marijuana in the kitchen, which the victim said appeared to calm him down.
“However, he soon became upset again. He said he’d beat her ‘black and blue’. He poked his thumbs into the corners of her eyes.
“He told the victim to order a taxi. They left together. He asked her if she’d been sleeping with taxi drivers.”
The court heard Bowman assaulted the victim again the following day, StokeonTrentLive reports.
He was then arrested by police and spat at an officer.
Cannabis was found in his possession and while in custody, he damged his cell.
Steve Hennessy, mitigating, said Bowman has matured from this experience, adding he is hoping to secure employment in the near future.
He said: “It’s something of a blessing that the victim was not seriously injured.
“She was understandably distressed by his behaviour, but she suffered no visible injuries.
“He accepts his actions and is deeply shame-faced and embarrassed. He’s had time while on remand to reflect on his actions, his drug taking and his associates.
“He hopes to return to his grandmother’s house on release. He has a job opportunity at the Pets at Home warehouse, where his uncle works as a manager.”
Bowman pleaded guilty to:
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Assault a person thereby occasioning them actual bodily harm
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Intentional strangulation
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Threatening a person with an offensive weapon / bladed article / corrosive substance in a private place
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Common assault
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Assault by beating of an emergency worker
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Possession of a controlled drug of class B – cannabis
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Two counts of criminal damage to property valued under £5,000
He was handed a nine-month prison sentence but was released immediately due to the time he had already spent on remand.
Recorder Robert Smith said: “Your victim was unfortunate enough to be in a relationship with you. You did not take the break up well. When she opened the door, you immediately attacked her and insulted her.
“You attempted to threaten, intimidate and control a vulnerable young woman. You behaved as a bully. You were absolutely vile to her. If you do not change your ways you will spend the rest of your adult life behind bars.
“Because of the time you have already spent in remand, I must release you today. I would have liked to give you longer behind bars, but my hands are tied.”
