JOHN MCCABE FROM MERSEYSIDE SENTENCED FOR DOMESTIC ABUSE AND VIOLENCE IN LIVERPOOL

A man aged 36, identified as John McCabe, has been handed a prison sentence exceeding two years following a series of severe domestic abuse incidents against his partner and acts of property damage. The sentencing took place at Liverpool Crown Court on Thursday, 16 January, where McCabe appeared to face justice after admitting to multiple charges. These charges included engaging in controlling and coercive behavior, committing several assaults, and causing criminal damage. His guilty plea was entered on the very day his trial was scheduled to commence, highlighting the seriousness of the case.

John McCabe, who resides in the Clock Face area of Merseyside, entered into a relationship with the victim in November 2023. The relationship lasted until July 2024, during which the victim endured a pattern of relentless abuse. The court proceedings revealed that McCabe’s conduct was marked by physical violence, threats, and manipulative control tactics. The victim, who was only 17 at the start of the relationship, suffered injuries from various assaults, endured verbal harassment, and was subjected to emotional manipulation. One particularly disturbing incident involved McCabe threatening to take his own life if she decided to leave him. In a distressing display of his instability, he choked himself with a phone charger and then climbed onto her, placing his hand over her face while holding a lit cigarette, which resulted in her sustaining a burn injury.

Another violent episode occurred when McCabe discovered a text message from a family member of an ex-partner on her phone. His reaction was violent; he punched her, leaving her with a black eye. She was forced to conceal the injury with makeup for several weeks, while McCabe continued to pressure her about it. Throughout their relationship, McCabe’s controlling behavior was evident, with derogatory remarks about her weight and appearance, despite knowing she already struggled with self-esteem issues. Even after they separated, McCabe persisted in contacting her through messages, begging her to reconcile, and claiming that her actions were causing him mental distress.

On 21 June, McCabe’s violence escalated further when he threw a lighter at her, which struck her chest and caused bruising. Fearing further harm, she decided to leave her home with her dog, a pet McCabe had previously threatened to harm. The situation worsened in July 2024, after a temporary breakup, when McCabe physically assaulted her again. He strangled her for approximately 20 seconds while she was in bed, shouting, “I am going to kill you.” This attack left her with swollen glands and ongoing pain, deeply affecting her well-being.

The victim’s courage led her to contact the police on 18 July 2024. She reported that McCabe had repeatedly tried to contact her and had shown up outside her residence, banging on windows and hurling derogatory names at her. During the police investigation, she bravely disclosed the full extent of the abuse she had suffered. Her testimony played a crucial role in McCabe’s arrest and subsequent guilty plea. In court, law enforcement officials described McCabe as a violent and manipulative individual whose actions left his victim feeling helpless, worthless, and emotionally drained.

The court’s decision to sentence McCabe to over two years in prison underscores the seriousness with which domestic abuse cases are treated in Merseyside. Police and court officials emphasized their commitment to protecting victims and thoroughly investigating all allegations of abuse. Following the sentencing, authorities reiterated their support for victims and encouraged anyone experiencing similar situations to seek help. Assistance is available through local police services, and victims are urged not to remain silent but to report abuse to ensure safety and justice.