SOUTHPORT MAN JAILED FOR ABUSIVE ASSAULT WITH LIFE-CHANGING INJURIES
A woman fears being disfigured for life after her thug boyfriend smashed a mug across her face, slashing her cheek open.Paul Cave, 46, fled her Southport home rather than calling an ambulance, leaving the victim to dial 999 herself.
She was rushed to hospital after feeling her skin peel away.
Cave, who has a history of battering women, then appeared at A&E to express remorse before issuing a sinister threat, stating that if she cooperated with police, he would have her shot.
Cave pleaded guilty to wounding in court and was scheduled for sentencing next month.
However, she had taken an overdose that left her in intensive care and unable to sign a victim statement.
Her victim personal statement described their two-year toxic relationship, describing the incident as the most terrifying experience of her life, and how she felt her skin peel away and was scared when she saw her blood.
The incident occurred early Monday morning, October 26, during a night they were drinking together.
The court heard that Cave punched and headbutted a wall during a temper outburst.
He then broke a mug across her face, causing a deep 5cm cut that required stitches.
He visited her in hospital but threatened her with more violence if she called the police.
The victim, who was also treated for minor wounds, thought she would be disfigured for life and still bears a visible scar.
She feels ashamed, embarrassed, and lives through the trauma again whenever it is mentioned, limiting her confidence and social interactions.
Cave, who initially denied wrongdoing claiming she must have fallen, has been held in custody since November.
His court history includes 22 convictions for 50 offenses, notably assault causing actual bodily harm against another ex-girlfriend in 2018.
He breached a suspended sentence for that assault by attacking a female friend of the latest victim, resulting in nine months imprisonment in 2019.
His lawyer argued that his offences were related to drugs and alcohol, particularly cocaine and alcohol, which caused poor decision-making.
Cave has started a new relationship since his last release, which was reportedly non-violent, and he accepted an indefinite restraining order to protect the woman.
The maximum sentence for wounding is five years, but the judge sentenced Cave to four years in prison, classifying him as a dangerous offender, with an extended two-year license.
He must serve at least two-thirds of his sentence before being eligible for parole, due to the risk he poses.
