LIAM RICHARDS SENTENCED IN STOKE-ON-TRENT FOR VIOLENT ATTACK ON EX-GIRLFRIEND

A violent offender with a history of previous assaults, including a notorious incident where he bit off a man's ear, has been sentenced to prison for attacking his ex-girlfriend. Liam Richards, 25, caused severe bruising to his latest victim during an assault on September 25 last year. The incident occurred three months after they had ended their relationship. According to reports, the pair met at a mutual friend's house to talk. It was there that Richards threw a drink in her face, then proceeded to punch and kick her.

Richards has been sentenced to two years in prison at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court, as reported by StokeonTrentLive. Prosecutor Mr. Antony Longworth described the events: "She arrived at 9:30 pm, alert and sober. Richards was acting oddly. He went into the kitchen and snatched her phone to read her messages. He then started shouting, calling her a 'slag', and threw a drink over her, which stung her eyes. He slapped her face and hit her on the back of her head."

A friend of the victim attempted to intervene by taking her upstairs to prevent Richards from hitting her again. However, Richards followed and forcibly entered the room. Mr. Longworth recounted: "The victim was terrified. He punched her in the eye and struck her on the side of her face with a fist. He then left the room, leaving her crying and in shock. He returned, becoming aggressive once more. She raised her hands to protect herself, and he punched her again. He dragged her by her arms onto the floor."

The victim's friend shouted for him to stop, but Richards continued his assault, kicking her ribs and causing significant bruising. The victim tried to defend herself by kicking back and screamed for help. Richards shouted abuse and was described as 'completely enraged.' As a result of the attack, she was left feeling petrified and afraid to visit Newcastle. In her victim impact statement, she described feeling "worthless, stupid and vulnerable."

Richards, of Applecroft, Crackley, pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm. The court heard that Richards has multiple prior convictions for violence, notably the incident where he bit off a man's ear. Defense lawyer Mr. Stuart Muldoon highlighted Richards' difficult childhood, stating, "His mother sadly passed away when he was seven. His father has suffered from serious illness for a long time. He has never received counseling for these traumas."

He added, "He thought that excessive drinking and drug use were living life, but now realises he was hiding from his feelings. He has since taken steps to lessen his risk of reoffending. He is now drug-free, and his alcohol consumption is limited to four pints on Fridays."

Richards is required to stay away from his victim for the next five years. Judge Sally Hancox addressed him, saying, "You have a troubling background and multiple convictions for violence, especially against partners. Last year's events constituted a persistent and prolonged assault, and your previous convictions aggravate your culpability. Five of those convictions are specifically related to violence against partners."