PHIDEL GONZALES SHOCKS EDGBASTON WITH BRUTAL ASSAULTS ON PARTNER

A 36-year-old man named Phidel Gonzales has been at the center of a disturbing case involving violent assaults against his partner in Edgbaston. The court proceedings revealed that Gonzales made two separate visits to his partner’s residence within a span of just two weeks, during which he engaged in aggressive and violent behavior that left her feeling terrified and helpless.

On the initial visit, Gonzales physically restrained his partner by placing his forearm across her throat, an act that caused her significant distress. The following encounter was even more violent; he dragged her by her hair, an assault that resulted in her hitting her head on the refrigerator. These acts of violence were not isolated incidents but part of a pattern of aggressive behavior that included pushing her onto the bed, attempting to suffocate her, and dragging her around by her hair for approximately five minutes. The victim described her feelings during these episodes, stating that she had become resigned to the violence because Gonzales had previously inflicted similar acts on her multiple times. She explained, “when the defendant had his arm across her throat she wasn’t scared because he had done it that many times she was resigned to it.”

Following these traumatic events, the victim expressed her ongoing fear, revealing that she now feels too frightened to leave her house or even walk her dog outside. She only takes her pet into the garden, indicating the level of her anxiety and sense of insecurity. Gonzales admitted to two counts of assault during the court proceedings and was subsequently sentenced to serve two years and five months in prison. Additionally, he was issued a ten-year restraining order that prohibits him from making any contact with the victim.

The court also took into account Gonzales’s extensive criminal history, which includes 33 previous convictions for a total of 65 offences. His past crimes encompass theft, sex offences, and driving-related violations. Due to his status as a sex offender, Gonzales was segregated in prison to prevent mistreatment by other inmates. The judge emphasized that Gonzales exhibits ongoing issues with control and violence towards women, compounded by mental health struggles at the time of the attacks. It was noted that his condition was worsened by his failure to take prescribed medication, which may have contributed to his violent behavior during the incidents in Edgbaston.