A man described as ‘cowardly’ has been released from court following his sentencing for a brutal assault on his former girlfriend, during which he forcibly pressed his thumbs into her eyes.
Layton Bowman, aged 20 and hailing from Blurton in Stoke-on-Trent, committed multiple offenses against his ex-partner, including physical assault, strangulation, and brandishing a knife, after she informed him of their breakup. Following his arrest the next day, Bowman displayed further misconduct by spitting at a police officer and being found in possession of cannabis, subsequently defiling his police cell by urinating in it.
He received a nine-month prison sentence at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court on Monday but was immediately released due to the time spent in custody awaiting trial.
Bowman admitted guilt to charges of assault, intentional strangulation, wielding a weapon to threaten, common assault, assault on an emergency worker, possession of cannabis, and causing damage to property under £5,000.
During the court proceedings, it was revealed that Bowman aggressively demanded entry into his ex-girlfriend’s residence, where he proceeded to verbally abuse and physically harm her. The victim had sought refuge at a friend’s place following their separation, only to face Bowman’s menacing behavior upon his uninvited arrival.
Alison Whalley, the prosecutor, recounted the victim’s harrowing experience, detailing how Bowman forced his way into the residence, engaged in drug use, and subjected her to physical harm by poking his thumbs into her eyes, all while making threatening remarks. The victim was coerced into leaving with Bowman, enduring his aggressive and accusatory behavior throughout.
The court also heard that Bowman returned to the victim’s home on a subsequent occasion to assault her once more, leading to his apprehension and subsequent confrontation with law enforcement, during which he resisted arrest and spat at officers, exacerbating his legal troubles.
In a bid for leniency, Bowman’s defense counsel, Steve Hennessy, emphasized his client’s remorse and desire to reform, highlighting his aspirations for future employment and a return to a stable living situation with his family.
Recorder Robert Smith admonished Bowman for his reprehensible actions, condemning his abusive conduct towards his former partner and warning him of the consequences should he fail to amend his behavior. Despite expressing a desire for a lengthier sentence, the judge cited time served in custody as a mitigating factor that necessitated Bowman’s immediate release.
The court’s decision to release Bowman prompted criticism from observers, questioning the adequacy of the justice system in dealing with cases of domestic violence and abuse.