OXFORD MAN SENTENCED AFTER PUNCHING GIRLFRIEND IN FACE DESPITE RESTRAINING ORDER

A man named Dwain Tyrrell, aged 21 at the time of sentencing and 18 when he committed the offence, was jailed for punching his girlfriend twice in the face in September 2019. Despite being under a restraining order and bail conditions that prohibited contact with his partner, he launched the attack. During his trial, he claimed that the injuries were caused by a stranger who had jumped out from the bushes, a story the judge dismissed as ludicrous. Judge Nigel Daly sentenced Tyrrell to 20 months in prison, stating he couldn't understand why he punched her. Tyrrell's barrister had argued for a suspended sentence, highlighting his compliance with probation and efforts to avoid future relationships, but the judge noted multiple breaches of previous court orders. Tyrrell was observed in court wearing a burgundy tracksuit, and he briefly clapped and thanked the judge after his sentencing. The victim, a young woman who was 17 at the time, reported that the assault severely affected her confidence and caused her concern about encountering Tyrrell or his associates in public, especially while she cared for her child. Medical professionals indicated she might suffer facial complications if hit again. Witnesses recalled hearing her ex-boyfriend shouting “my eye, my eye” after the assault, and she later described her injuries to a resident. Tyrrell was convicted of causing actual bodily harm and had previously admitted to harassment. His criminal history includes an earlier suspended sentence for breaching the restraining order. Tyrrell was from Verbena Road, Oxford. The court proceedings revealed his history of offending against the same woman and the impact of his actions on her life and confidence.