ROCHDALE OFFENDER SENTENCED TO FOUR YEARS FOR DOMESTIC ABUSE AND VIOLENCE
A man named Paul Thorburn, aged 38, who demonstrated controlling and abusive conduct, was convicted of serious domestic violence after an extended trial.During the twelve months of their relationship from November 2020 to November 2021, Thorburn inflicted physical, emotional, and psychological harm on his partner.
Court proceedings revealed he repeatedly assaulted her, examined her naked body on numerous occasions to look for signs of infidelity, and grew progressively more aggressive.
One notable incident involved him waking her during the night to argue about a past romantic partner, during which he strangled her, covered her mouth and nose to stop her from screaming or breathing, and pulled her back when she tried to escape, resulting in her hitting her head on the stairs.
She escaped only in her underwear and a coat, leaving a visible footprint from her injuries.
Thorburn also recorded parts of this attack on his phone, mocking her to further humiliate her.
His control extended to managing her social media accounts, isolating her from family and friends, degrading her, and he was known to be violent in public, including kicking her.
He also manipulated her finances, threatened violence with a knife, and made threats to harm her or himself if she attempted to leave.
The court described the full extent of his abusive actions, with Prosecutor Mr.
Benjamin Lawrence noting that the victim now suffers from anxiety and depression and has lost her sense of self due to the trauma.
Thorburn had prior convictions for robbery and affray, underscoring his violent history.
He received a four-year prison sentence, with at least half to be served, along with an indefinite restraining order to safeguard the victim.
The judge condemned his pattern of violence, jealousy, and distrust that characterized their toxic relationship.
Detective Constable Russ Clarke commended the victim’s bravery and highlighted that Thorburn remains a significant threat of future violence, warning that authorities would investigate and punish such behavior rigorously.
