MAN REPEATEDLY BREACHED COURT ORDERS BANNING HIM FROM CONTACTING HIS EX AFTER HE BATTERED HER WITH A KETTLE
Carl Spencer, 52, disregarded a court-imposed restraining order and re-entered a relationship with his former partner after suffering a head injury.However, he soon resumed his previous behaviour.
In September of the previous year, the woman, whose identity remains confidential, had invited Spencer to live with her following an incident in which he fell down stairs at their shared residence, resulting in a brain bleed.
Initially, their interactions were polite, but Spencer's demeanour shifted to aggression and hostility, which eventually escalated into violence.
Prosecutor Laura Atherton told the court that Spencer and the woman had been together for over three decades, but their relationship was marked by volatility and domestic violence, ultimately leading to their separation.
In March the prior year, Spencer was convicted of two counts of battery and was subsequently subject to a restraining order that prevented him from making contact.
Ms Atherton explained that on November 9, the victim was resting on the couch her usual sleeping spot when she remembered Spencer crouching over her and punching her in the head with a closed fist.
The punch caused a cut on her forehead, inflicted by a ring Spencer was wearing, and resulted in a black eye.
Fearing arrest, she chose not to seek medical help immediately.
In the days that followed, Spencer was verbally abusive, telling her, 'go on, call the police,' and warning that if she did, he would kill her.
On November 15, 2025, Spencer experienced a medical episode requiring hospitalisation.
During his absence, the victim made a police report about his actions.
Ms Atherton stated that the woman feared retaliation, fearing Spencer might kill her if he discovered she had contacted authorities.
Spencer, of Benedict Street in Bootle, was detained at Aintree Hospital.
Upon arrest, he expressed frustration to officers, saying, "This is all a*** this.
Just for going home to someone you love.
I've saved her life three times this week and now she's gone and done this." In her victim statement, she described living in constant fear of Spencer and feeling diminished as a person, relying heavily on her daughter for emotional support.
The court noted Spencer's extensive criminal history: 23 convictions spanning 42 offenses, including recent breaches of a restraining order related to the woman.
The restraining order had been issued in March following Spencer's conviction for assaulting his ex with a kettle and breaches of domestic abuse orders.
He pleaded guilty to harassment, breaching the restraining order, and common assault.
His sentencing was heard at Liverpool Crown Court on February 4.
Stuart Mills, defending highlighted the history of the relationship, mentioning the presence of an adult daughter and granddaughter, and that despite difficulties, the pair often reconciled.
He emphasized Spencer’s remorse and his understanding that repeated contact could lead to imprisonment, asserting Spencer's resolve to avoid further breaches.
Judge Ian Harris described Spencer as "cunning and manipulative," and reviewed his criminal record, which includes offenses against the person, fraud, theft, public disorder, breaches, drug offenses, and miscellaneous crimes.
He noted recent incarcerations due to breaches of domestic violence orders.
The judge detailed how, despite the turbulence of their relationship, the victim had allowed Spencer to return in September for compassionate reasons due to his medical issues.
However, on November 9, he assaulted her, causing injuries she was too afraid to treat, and threatened her with death if she contacted the police.
Spencer was sentenced to a total of two years and three months in prison.
Additionally, a new restraining order was imposed, prohibiting any contact with his victim for 12 years.
