LEWIS WILLIS FROM REDRUTH SENTENCED FOR VIOLENT ASSAULTS IN CORNWALL

Lewis Willis, a 20-year-old from the Redruth area, was involved in a series of violent attacks against his former partner. The court was told that Willis's anger erupted when his ex-partner and her daughter made plans without him, leading to a violent outburst. He grabbed her by the wrist and then by the throat with both hands, squeezing tightly enough to cause her to feel 'fuzzy' as she struggled to breathe. Fortunately, she was able to free herself from his grip.

Following this, Willis continued to follow her around the house while she tried to gather her belongings and hide in a room. During this time, he shouted that he 'would beat her to death in front of her daughter.' The situation escalated further when he kicked open a door where she was hiding, causing it to come off its hinges, before fleeing the scene.

Police were called to the scene, and during their investigation, the victim received a call from Willis in which he insulted her and sent threatening text messages. Some messages suggested he would be glad if her daughter was taken away or if she was robbed. Willis was subsequently arrested.

In police interviews, he claimed he had only acted in self-defense and insisted he had only kicked her door once. The initial incident took place on January 4 of this year. A second incident occurred in May when Willis returned to her property and tried to force his way into her bedroom while she was having breakfast with friends. During this encounter, he pulled a necklace from her neck, breaking it, and poured vodka over her car parked outside her home.

Willis admitted guilt to two counts of common assault, two counts of criminal damage, and one count of breaching bail conditions by contacting his ex-partner. The court was told that the first attack left her feeling she 'didn't want to be here anymore,' but she found strength in her daughter. She also expressed feeling constant fear and insecurity in her own home.

His Honour Judge Robert Linford described Willis's conduct as 'nothing short of outrageous.' Having already served five months on remand, Willis was sentenced to a two-year community order. This includes requirements to attend a relationship-building program and a 15-day rehabilitation activity. Additionally, he was ordered to stay away from his victim and her address, with a restraining order in place.