Manchester man sentenced to three years for brutal domestic assault leaving girlfriend with life-changing injuries

Harry Boulton, a 29-year-old man from Manchester, pleaded guilty to section 20 wounding without intent following a brutal attack on his girlfriend. The incident occurred after a disagreement on December 17, 2022, when she confronted him about suspicious messages on his phone suggesting infidelity. Prosecutor Justin Hayhoe described the assault, stating: "He struck his 30-year-old girlfriend up to six times, including a severe blow to the back of her head, during a horrifying attack." The victim suffered a life-changing stroke that left her with speech difficulties, impaired mobility, and long-term health issues. Her carotid artery was dissected, causing two strokes, and she has been in and out of hospital for two years. The injuries resulted in her losing her flat, her job, and her car, and she now relies on medication to manage epileptic fits. Her mother expressed heartbreak, saying: "She was independent, intelligent, had a great job that she loved and financed her own flat and car. She is never going to work again." Boulton's initial claim of self-defense was later abandoned, and he was sentenced to three years in prison at Minshull Street Crown Court. Defence lawyer Jemma Gordon stated that Boulton was "extremely remorseful" and apologized for the harm caused, claiming the offense was out of character.