LIAM THEOBALD FROM DOVER SENTENCED FOR VIOLENT ATTACK IN DOVER NEIGHBORHOOD

A man named Liam Theobald, who committed a brutal assault in a residential area of Dover, has been sentenced to prison for his violent actions. The incident, which took place on Squires Way, involved Theobald physically attacking his former partner in front of a child, leaving her deeply traumatized and fearful of returning to the town where the assault occurred.

According to the court proceedings, Judge Mark Weekes described the severity of the attack, stating, "You pushed your fingers in her face. She walked away to try and get away, but you followed her. You grabbed her by the throat, you squeezed her throat to the point where she could not breathe, you pushed her on the grass bank. That violence was witnessed by other members of the public." The judge emphasized that the assault was not only physically violent but also publicly witnessed, including by a child present at the scene.

Court records revealed that Theobald, who has no fixed address, exhibited controlling and coercive behavior throughout the two and a half years of his relationship with the victim. The attack, which occurred in the afternoon of January 10, has had a lasting impact on the victim’s sense of safety and dignity. The court heard that the incident left her feeling extremely nervous and reluctant to leave her home, with her fear so profound that she now avoids Dover altogether.

Prosecutor Caroline Knight presented a victim impact statement, describing how the victim now finds it difficult to be in close proximity to Theobald. She explained, “(The victim) speaks of the events as leaving her feeling extremely nervous about leaving her home. She finds herself only going out if it is absolutely necessary and avoids Dover altogether.” The court was also told that the victim’s sense of dignity had been severely compromised by the assault.

During the sentencing hearing, Recorder Mark Weekes highlighted the commonality of domestic violence, remarking, “It is all too common a feature of domestic violence, it robs (victims) of their dignity.” The defense, represented by barrister Mike Ansby, argued that Theobald, a father of two, was seeking employment at the London Fancy Box packaging plant in Poulton Close, Dover, and was looking for stable accommodation. Ansby also noted that Theobald suffers from bipolar disorder and expressed hope that his client regrets his outburst, emphasizing his desire to change.

The court was informed that Theobald had a prior conviction last year for possessing a bladed article in public, which resulted in an 18-month suspended sentence. However, following the recent attack, Judge Weekes activated the suspended sentence, condemning the violence as “shocking.”

At the sentencing, Theobald, dressed in a grey cardigan, showed no visible emotion as he stood in the dock. He was sentenced to 10 months in prison for battery and for breaching a previous bail condition by failing to surrender to magistrates. The court’s decision underscores the seriousness with which the justice system views domestic violence and public assaults in Dover.